Nick Petraglia has worn two uniforms in service to our country. First in the Army, then in the Navy. After years of commitment and courage, he and his wife settled in Mount Vernon, New York, in the home where they’ve lived for twenty-five years. It’s where they built their life together. It’s where they planned to grow old.
But time and illness brought unexpected challenges. Nick was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a progressive disease that has taken away much of his mobility. He is now partially wheelchair-bound. Because his illness is not combat-related, Nick has been unable to access many of the support services typically available to veterans.
As Nick’s physical health declined, so did the condition of his home. The front porch that once welcomed family and friends became unstable, dangerous, and on the verge of collapse. Nick and his wife were no longer safe walking out their front door. Worse still, they lived with the terrifying possibility that their home could be condemned if the porch failed completely.
Nick’s wife, who is his primary caregiver, had to reduce her work hours to stay home and care for him. That decision, made out of love and necessity, left them unable to afford the repairs their home so desperately needed.
That is when the community stepped in, and that is when Simpson Strong-Tie answered the call.
Inspired by the Nine Principles of Doing Business expressed by their founder, Barclay Simpson, Simpson Strong-Tie is guided by the imperative to Give Back to their communities. When they heard Nick’s story, they donated dozens of high-quality fasteners provided expert guidance to ensure the porch rebuild would be safe and long-lasting. Their contribution was a key part of what made this project possible.
The total cost of this project was $45,000! Through the generosity of our supporters, Homes for Veterans was able to fully reconstruct the entire porch and restore safety and stability to Nick’s home. Today, Nick can step outside again without fear. His wife can rest a little easier. And their home is no longer a source of danger, but a place of comfort.
Founded in 2011 by Doug DiPaola, Homes for Veterans exists to remove physical barriers for disabled veterans, especially those like Nick who fall through the cracks of the system. This project is a perfect example of what is possible when organizations, municipalities, and community-minded companies work together to uphold the dignity our veterans deserve.
Projects like these are never the work of one person or one group. They happen because people decide to come together. It takes thoughtful collaboration, generous hearts, and a belief that every veteran deserves a safe place to call home.
To the team at Simpson Strong-Tie, thank you. You did not just donate materials. You gave back safety. You gave back stability. You gave back peace of mind.
Watch the inspiring story on Good Day New York.
Hear from a Simpson Strong-Tie representative at the ribbon cutting event below.
If Nick’s story moves you, and you would like to learn how you can support other veterans in need, please reach out to us at Homes for Veterans. Together, we can keep building hope, one home at a time: www.HomesforVeterans.us.
