December 12, 2006 - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced today that Michigan is now accepting applications from disabled Michigan veterans to make their home accessible through a new Project H*E*R*O* program. Application deadline is Jan. 1, 2007.

Project H*E*R*O* (Homes Eliminated of Restrictions and Obstacles) is a national grass roots, volunteer based initiative founded by the International Code Council Foundation (ICCF) and patriotic organizations to help disabled Americans regain their independence by tapping into the expertise and volunteerism of building safety officials, design professionals, and contractors. Gen. Wesley Clark (ret.), is Chairman of Project H*E*R*O*.

"There are more than 788,000 Michigan veterans who have served to protect our freedoms - many return home with limitations and challenges due to injuries. Michigan citizens can show their gratitude by helping those disabled veterans to ensure that their homes are accessible and functional," Granholm said.

The ICC Foundation has launched successful pilot projects in Las Vegas and Ohio, however Michigan is the first state in the nation to offer a statewide Project H*E*R*O program.

Robert W. Swanson, director of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth which is overseeing the initiative, said applications will be accepted for all home improvements for disabled veterans whether it is as simple as installing a ramp or lowering doorknobs or as complicated as a new roof or room additions. 

"Making a home accessible can be challenging and outside the financial means of a disabled veteran - so we are considering all projects, big or small," Swanson said. "We've already received numerous offers from contractors, builders, planners, veterans groups and home improvement suppliers anxious to volunteer or donate services and products to help our veterans. Our goal now is to bring together these partners and harness all of our resources to help facilitate as many projects at the local level as possible."

To submit an application for assistance, please visit http://www.michigan.gov/dleg and click on "Project H*E*R*O" in the Spotlight section. If you have additional questions, please contact Dan Dykstra, assistant coordinator for the Michigan Project H*E*R*O effort at (517) 241-8804 or email ddykst@michigan.gov.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth news releases.