For almost 20 years, the BATC Foundation has tapped the talents and resources of our member builders, remodelers, and suppliers to help families who otherwise might not have the opportunity to have a safe and affordable home. The Foundation builds, remodels and repairs homes for Twin Cities families in need, often in partnership with local charities and organizations.
The Foundation couldn’t do this work without the support of the thousands of people who donate $5.00 to tour the Dream Homes and Dream Remodeled Homes during the Parade of Homes every spring and fall. This year’s spring Parade of Homes raised more than $30,000, and allow the Foundation to complete projects like this:
Vietnam Veteran’s Home Improved
Our most recent project was a home renovation for Vietnam veteran, Dave Davidson, and his wife Penny. Dave, a former marathon runner, had been facing a number of health problems over the past several years, which left him confined to a wheelchair. The diagnosis for his illness was elusive (recently they determined he has ALS), which meant he didn’t qualify for VA benefits and the medical bills were mounting quickly. Because Penny carried the couple’s health benefits through her job, they didn’t have the option of Penny staying home to care for Dave, either. That’s when the VA approached the BATC Foundation for help.
With our builder partner, John Kraemer & Sons, the Foundation went to work adapting Dave and Penny’s home to accommodate Dave’s wheelchair. We widened doorways and totally revamped the bath which is enabling Dave to live more comfortably at home. With the help we were able to provide, Penny has even been able to take a leave of absence from her job as a nurse to care for Dave.
The Foundation is currently considering several new projects for the fall and winter and will be partnering with Rebuilding Together Twin Cities on a project connected with the MLB All Star game, scheduled to be held in Minneapolis next summer.