Army veteran Leonard Beckett Jr. made a solemn promise to his grandmother before her passing.
“After retiring from the Army, I returned home, and during the COVID period, my grandmother decided to will the family home to me,” he said. “Before she passed, I promised that I would restore the home. Unfortunately, she passed away in July 2023, before I could complete the restoration.”
Financial challenges forced Beckett and his wife to stop the renovation work they had begun on the house. That’s when The Home Depot Foundation and HouseProud Atlanta stepped in to help Beckett fulfill his promise.
Beckett’s grandmother, Shirley, and grandfather, Benjamin Kelley, a World War II veteran, were Georgia natives. The couple invested in two homes in Atlanta's West End neighborhood during the 1960s and 70s
“It has always been the heart of our family,” Beckett said. “It's where we've gathered for holidays, created lasting memories, and shared special moments. Continuing my grandparents' legacy is important to me, as they left me something meaningful, and I now can pass it on to my children.”
Beckett called starting renovations during COVID a real eye-opener.
“Lumber was on backorder, and prices for everything skyrocketed,” he said. “At times, I felt completely overwhelmed just looking at the house and realizing how much work it would take to finish.”
The home, originally built in the 1930s, required a full restoration down to the studs, and the original structure was extended by 20 feet.
Beckett said he doesn’t know if the project would have been completed without The Home Depot Foundation and HouseProud Atlanta.
“They stepped in at a crucial moment when our funds were exhausted, and we were at a standstill,” he said. “My wife and I are incredibly grateful for their support during such a challenging time.”
Beckett said the newly restored home symbolizes both dedication and his family legacy. He, his mother Ardath — an Air Force veteran — and his children represent four generations of military service.
Beckett enlisted in the Army in October 1995 and served in the Army for 23 years.
“I had the privilege of serving in various locations, including Bosnia, Iraq, Kuwait, and Uganda,” he said. “I officially retired in 2019, having gained extensive experience and leadership in a variety of environments.”
The renovation work was completed in time to welcome Beckett’s son home from an overseas deployment.
“It felt like such a special moment,” he said. “Knowing that I could show him all the hard work and dedication that had gone into completing it.”
The renovation work wasn’t the only surprise in store for the family. The mortgage on the home was also paid off in a surprise move by The Home Depot Foundation.
“It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my family’s shoulders,” said Beckett. “I truly believe that my grandparents touched the lives of these foundations, and this is their legacy continuing to make a difference.”
Since 2011, the Home Depot Foundation has invested more than $550 million in veteran causes, with a pledge to reach $750 million by 2030.
“Supporting veterans has been in the fabric of The Home Depot’s culture since our founding in 1979, and our goal at The Home Depot Foundation is to make sure every veteran has a safe place to call home,” said Erin Izen, executive director, Home Depot Foundation. “Veterans and their families have sacrificed so much; The Home Depot Foundation is proud to give back to these heroes by working with our partners to help them and their families stay in the homes that they know and love.”
To learn more, visit here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.