The Home Depot Foundation marked 15 years of investing in veteran causes with a Washington DC rooftop reception on October 21, 2026. The gathering previewed an expanded commitment bringing the Foundation’s total pledge to veteran causes to $1 billion by 2032, with safe, accessible housing at the center of its work.
Foundation Leaders Welcomed Guests Above Downtown DC
Executive Director Erin Izen, Board President Crystal Hanlon and The Home Depot’s Vice President of Government Relations and External Communications Heather Kennedy welcomed guests to The Home Depot’s office rooftop. Media, public affairs professionals and leaders of veteran-serving organizations gathered to recognize the anniversary and the partnerships supporting the Foundation’s housing efforts.
Veteran Housing Partners Helped Define the Evening
Guests included representatives of Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Purple Heart Homes, Operation Homefront, Volunteers of America and Habitat for Humanity International. HuffPost’s Phil Lewis, Bloomberg’s Craig Gordon and Public Affairs Council President and CEO Nneka Chiazor also attended. The gathering connected people who build and repair homes, support veterans and bring public attention to the challenges they face.
The Next Chapter Builds on 15 Years of Investment
The Foundation has invested more than $650 million in veteran causes since 2011, improving more than 70,000 veteran homes and facilities. Its expanded commitment supports housing placements, critical home repairs and alternative housing models.
That work addresses several obstacles to stable housing, from accessibility needs to rental barriers. The $1 billion pledge represents its total commitment through 2032 and builds on the investments already made.
The Conversation Continued at the National Press Club
The reception preceded the National Housing Conference’s October 22 veteran housing summit, co-hosted with the Foundation at the National Press Club. The agenda addressed aging veterans, housing finance and the experiences of veterans who have faced unstable housing.
Together, the two gatherings connected the anniversary celebration with practical discussions about helping more veterans secure and maintain a home.
The private reception took place at 1155 F St NW, Washington, DC. Nonprofits interested in ongoing opportunities can review the Foundation’s Veteran Housing Grants requirements, which outline awards typically ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 for qualifying permanent supportive housing projects. Individual veterans seeking home repairs can consult the partner guidance on that page.
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Featured photo: (Left to Right: The Home Depot’s Director of Public Affairs and Community Investments Sarah McDonald, The Home Depot Foundation Executive Director Erin Izen, The Home Depot’s Vice President of Government Relations and External Communications Heather Kennedy, Home Depot Foundation’s Board President Crystal Hanlon, President of The Home Depot’s Southern Division Tim Hourigan, The Home Depot Foundation’s Director Heather Prill, The Home Depot Foundation’s CFO John Dennison)
