New Jersey-based Homes for Veterans donates funds to improve accessibility of bathrooms and showers at facility for homeless veterans
By Jeff Phillips
CIRCLEVILLE, OHIO (March 3, 2025) – Homes for Veterans, a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization focused on providing barrier-free spaces for military veterans, donated $18,800 to Pickaway County Community Action (PICCA).
The funds will be used to renovate bathrooms and showers at Ohio House, which PICCA uses to provide transitional housing for homeless veterans, said PICCA Executive Director Jonna Motter.
“We are so blessed that Homes for Veterans believes in the important work we are doing for unhoused military veterans,” Motter said. “This work will greatly improve the quality of life for people who served our country and defended the freedoms we enjoy.”
The National Council on Aging estimates 25 percent of older veterans have functional limitations such as trouble with bathing, dressing and walking, while 81 percent of older veterans have at least two chronic conditions, such as hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Providing accessibility for disabled veterans is about more than just renovations—it’s about restoring dignity, independence, and safety to those who have sacrificed for our country, said Francesca DiPaola, CEO of Homes for Veterans.
“When you can bathe yourself safely in your own home, the mental relief is enormous,” DiPaola said. “We strongly believe in collaborating with other veteran nonprofits to ensure our veterans receive the holistic care they deserve.”
Homes for Veterans was founded in 2011 by the late Douglas DiPaola, who was deeply committed to assisting veterans struggling during the Great Recession. When Douglas DiPaola
tragically passed away from COVID in 2020, his daughter, Francesca, was determined to carry on his mission and ensure his legacy lived on.
Since 2020, Homes for Veterans has invested more than $1 million into barrier-free modifications, completing more than 140 projects across 19 states. In addition to making homes accessible, the organization helps veterans navigate the process of obtaining their earned benefits and provides local veteran facilities with essential items.
PICCA provides transitional housing services to homeless military veterans in the 17-county Chillicothe VA catchment area. Ohio House is a two-story building on PICCA’s property that provides housing for up to 16 unhoused individuals. PICCA also provides transitional housing for homeless women and families at three affordable apartments it operates.
PICCA served 79 veterans and family members in 2024. The average stay is 90 to 120 days.
Working under contract with the local VA—PICCA provides mental health support, wellness opportunities and employment-readiness services in an effort to transition clients to permanent housing and employment solutions.
Work on four bathrooms at Ohio House is expected to begin later this month and completed by late spring or early summer. Work will be completed by Utmost Renovations of Amanda, Ohio.
