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Family Story

Home Improvements Help Texas Family

By Operation Homefront

September 17, 2019

Home Improvements Help Texas Family Stay Healthy and Safe

After 10 years in the Air Force as a surgical technician, Staff Sgt. Mariana McKenzie was about to be deployed when she started experiencing severe pain symptoms in her joints. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and had to medically retire in 2012.

“It was like a complete bomb in our lives when that happened,” Mariana said. “Because the air force, the military, was what defined me, what was my identity, it was my career, it was everything for me. I planned to retire. It was really hard to find that out. I did love what I did.”

Mariana McKenzie and her husband, Trevor, discuss Operation Homefront’s Critical Financial Assistance program.

The transition out of the military was not easy, Mariana said, especially because she received so little information or help. The family was trying to find a place to stay, was unsure of what future income would be, and they lacked a support network at the time.

“It was hard trying to figure out what the next step was going to be and there was no one,” she said. “It was pretty much you figure it out on your own. That’s how it was at that time.”

The same year she was honorably discharged, Mariana, her husband, Trevor, and their three kids moved into a house in San Antonio, Texas. They started having trouble keeping up with bills after Trevor’s contract job was not renewed and Mariana could not work because of the arthritis. On top of that, one of the children became very sick.

They fell behind on bills and needed help paying the mortgage. Plus, two things they had not considered at the time of purchase their home became a growing concern. First, without a fenced-in backyard, their youngest, Abigail, could wander away. Second, the carpets were so dirty and in such bad disrepair that they eventually had to be removed, leaving only concrete. They thought they would replace it themselves, but the project was beyond their expertise and cost was exorbitant for the budget. A veteran resource office referred her to Operation Homefront’s Critical Financial Assistance (CFA) program.

In 2018 and 2019, with the help of generous donors, Operation Homefront was able to provide nearly $11,000 to pay Mariana’s mortgage, build a fence, and purchase new flooring throughout the house. Mariana said the kids play on the floors all the time now and love to run in the back yard. Plus, no longer having to worry about where the money would come from to pay for home repairs meant both Mariana and Trevor could focus on school.

They are so grateful to the support they received from Operation Homefront, knowing that their lives would be much different had they not reached out.

“We would be overwhelmed with stress [without Operation Homefront],” Mariana McKenzie said. “It’s amazing how these little things in your life can accumulate so much stress. Now we can focus on school, we can focus on our children, and not have to worry about the house.”

Urgent Needs

  • Georgia

    Home Repairs Leave Veteran on Unstable Ground

    Donating to support this veteran in need of home repairs will directly help address critical foundation issues that threaten the safety and stability of his home. Your generous contribution can provide the necessary funds for expert repairs, ensuring he and his family have a secure place to live. By helping a veteran who has given so much for our country, you offer both practical support and a reminder of the gratitude we owe to those who served.
    $7,220 still needed
    $7,820
  • Montana

    New HVAC Need Put Army Reserve Member Behind on Bills

    A dedicated Army Reserves member, balancing active-duty requirements and responsibilities at home, finds themselves in need of assistance to cover their mortgage. Facing essential home repairs, including the purchase of a new HVAC system, the strain has become overwhelming. Recognizing this is the time to ask for help, this service member hopes to secure the stability of their home while continuing to serve their country with unwavering commitment.
    $1,931 still needed
    $2,106
  • Florida

    Prevent an Eviction: Help Veteran Keep Their Home

    This Army veteran is facing a court-ordered eviction and is at risk of losing their home. We know that our community is one that cares deeply for our veterans and the sacrifices they have made for our country. Your donation to provide rent assistance will make a significant impact on their life, allowing them to focus on rebuilding and moving forward without worrying about the uncertainty of their housing situation.
    $9,530 still needed
    $9,705

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