At the corner of 7th and Madison on the National Mall, directly across from the Smithsonian gardens, a different kind of national monument is rising.
Now until October 5, circular saws and pneumatic hammers will echo across D.C.’s most famous lawn as the Purple Heart Homes National Mall Veteran Home Build unfolds. Over several days, tradespeople, community partners, and Team Depot—The Home Depot’s associate volunteer force—are constructing a fully accessible modular home from the ground up in plain view of the public.
🎖️ MEET THE HOMEOWNER
- The Veteran: Mr. Jim Taylor, a formerly housing-insecure Marine Corps veteran transitioning to independent living
- Destination: Glasgow, Virginia
- The Challenge: Nearly 33,000 U.S. veterans face homelessness each night, with 2.75 million+ living in inadequate housing
- The Solution: Publicly constructing a fully accessible, barrier-free modular home on the National Mall before permanent installation
- The Impact: Restoring comfort, stability and independence for a hero who served and bringing national attention to the veteran housing crisis
Turning Urgency Into Action
The high-visibility location highlights a stark reality: across America, nearly 33,000 veterans face homelessness each night, while another 2.75 million live in inadequate housing.
“This project demonstrates what’s possible when national partners come together to honor veterans through permanent supportive housing, volunteer service and innovation,” says Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation.
Backed by a $250,000 grant from The Home Depot Foundation— the project’s official “Cornerstone Partner”—the initiative showcases modular construction as an innovative, high-quality solution to the veteran housing crisis. Throughout their 14-year partnership, the Foundation and Purple Heart Homes have already supported critical home repairs for more than 1,200 veterans nationwide.
From D.C. Stage to Permanent Foundation
When the reveal ceremony concludes on October 5, the house won't remain a monument on the Mall; it will be transported to Glasgow, Virginia, where Purple Heart Homes will celebrate Mr. Taylor as a proud new homeowner during a dedication ceremony later this year.
As volunteers drive the final nails under the shadow of the Washington Monument, they are delivering more than shelter—they are building a lifetime of security for those who served.
“We're creating one of the most visible demonstrations of service, volunteerism and veteran housing support our nation has seen. This isn't simply about building homes but about building a legacy worthy of America's veterans.”
