(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Around 400 volunteers gathered at Freedom Springs in Colorado Springs on Tuesday, Aug. 19 to give the supportive housing complex for homeless veterans a facelift.

The event included landscaping, new furniture, shaded areas, and fresh gardening beds. Volunteers also built new bikes to help the people living at the community get where they need to go.

“This place saved my life,” said Navy veteran James Henderson, who was homeless for three years before finding stability at Freedom Springs.

After starting his own company and working for the Air Force for 16 years, medical issues left Henderson homeless. “I was allergic to one of the medications the VA had me on,” he explained.

Henderson is excited about the donated bikes, given he does not have a driver’s license. He said it expands his range and gives him easier access to thinks like work or the grocery store.

John Dennison with the Home Depot Foundation mentioned that veterans are much more likely to be homeless than the general population. He noted a reduction of over 56% in veteran homelessness due to initiatives like this one.

“But there’s still over 33,000 who are homeless on any given night. So, we know we have to keep this work up, and that’s why Home Depot is committed to giving back over $750 million towards veterans causes nationwide,” said Dennison.

Home Depot organized Tuesday’s event with support from local organizations, including Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center. The efforts at Freedom Springs allow veterans and their families to focus less on survival, so they can focus more on building a future.

“It’s amazing. You know, I’m grateful,” Henderson expressed, reflecting the sentiments of many residents.

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