Local nonprofit 'Honoring Our Heroes' continues work aiding veterans in need
Jul. 1—After John Norris retired from a "lifelong career" with the United States Army, he and his wife, Kim, wanted to give back, but not in a typical way. The couple wanted to go big ... they wanted to undertake endeavors that would serve to continuously recognize men and women who've served.
Thus, "Honoring Our Heroes" was born.
And for nearly four years, the Mentor-based nonprofit has been providing support in recognition of the sacrifices veterans, and first responders, have made.
"I wanted to help in a way that would be very impactful," John Norris said. "Our mission is to provide free home repairs, safety modifications, and maintenance services for those that are physically and or financially unable to complete these tasks themselves."
The nonprofit organization currently has eight regular volunteers, including board members and program support staff, with "Operation Home of Our Heroes," made up of professional contractors throughout Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties.
"We also work closely with the VFW, American Legion and AMVETS," Norris said. "These organizations are very generous with contributions."
Honoring Our Heroes also provides snow plow and yard cleanup services, at times, with the assistance of local companies, in addition to tackling advanced projects, such as sidewalk, air conditioning, and wheelchair ramp installations, which, Norris noted, have benefited more than 50 "local heroes" and their families.
"We have seen an uptick in the number of veterans needing support and this is very likely due to the higher prices for food, gasoline and other essentials," he said." And many of our older veteran homeowners are struggling ... we don't want them to have to choose between food and the roof over their heads."
While recipients of the services must meet established income guidelines, in some instances — for example, those with "severe disabilities" — certain requirements are waived.
"We try to limit home repairs to those things that are actually needed, so we don't get into remodeling bathrooms and kitchens and so on," Norris said.
And recently, one such veteran — Eastlake resident David Ritondaro, who served for three years with the United States Naval Construction Battalions (better known as the Navy Seabees) during the Vietnam Era — seemingly fated, has been aligned with Heroes' raison d'être, as his roof was in desperate need of repair.
Ritondaro, 70, was approved after he visited the Lake County Veterans Service Center in Painesville.
"After speaking with him, it was obvious to us that he needed our help to allow him to remain in his home because he was going to lose his homeowner's insurance if it wasn't repaired," Norris said. "This (roof) is our second major project this year and our fifth overall project in 2023."
Heroes then contacted Concord Township-based Wade Roofing, which contacted material suppliers at Apollo Supply Co. in Willoughby and Major Waste Disposal Services in Leroy Township.
Both companies agreed to provide free materials and services, Ritondaro said.
"It's beautiful," he added. "They all did an excellent job, from start to finish, and in one day....I couldn't be happier. This has totally changed the appearance of my house.
"No one ever thinks that the donations and contributions organizations like this receive will ever them....you always think the simple act of giving ends there, but it doesn't," Ritondaro said. "And I'll tell you, it feels nice when it comes full circle. It all makes a difference and I'm very, very thankful to all who were involved."
Heroes, Norris noted, in addition to multiple projects scheduled this summer, will also be hosting several fundraising events throughout the year.
"We welcome the support of everyone," he said, "and because of the love and compassion, we are able to keep Northeastern Ohio veterans in their homes."
For more information, visit www.honoringourheroes.org/.
