New Non-Profit Builds Barrier-Free Homes for Disabled Veterans

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Green Beach is joining forces with the community to help disabled veterans return to an independent and high quality lifestyle, while promoting a clean environment. The new San Diego non-profit builds and remodels barrier-free homes that meet the special needs of disabled veterans, while also taking into account environmentally friendly building standards.

“The Green Beach mission is so important because it reassures our disabled veterans that we are a grateful nation working to repay their selfless sacrifice”

When designing barrier-free homes, special features are incorporated based on the veteran’s specific injuries. This increased functionality is integrated into the home design, allowing a more independent lifestyle and providing the best living experience. Designs may include features such as ramps or no-trip thresholds at entryways, wider doors and hallways, fully accessible bathrooms, and cabinets and cooking surfaces built at comfort-appropriate height levels. Other design considerations take into account the need for special equipment such as physical therapy machines, pulleys for moving veterans and other technologies.

“The Green Beach mission is so important because it reassures our disabled veterans that we are a grateful nation working to repay their selfless sacrifice,” said Dan Mazzella, Green Beach Executive Director.

The homes also feature the latest green technologies such as solar electric energy, tankless water heaters, cotton insulation, OSB plywood, low or no VOC paint, energy star rated appliances and LEED certification where possible. Landscaping includes drought tolerant or native plants with low spray and drip irrigation, along with solar irrigation controls. Green Beach’s first home recipient, Lance Weir and his assistance dog Satine, has been chosen and a home site location is currently being scouted. The home is expected to be completed within a year.

To help fund this initiative, Green Beach is opening a store for new, surplus and recycled construction materials. The store, called The Exchange, will be open to contractors as well as the public, with profits going toward the purchase of home sites. The Exchange will also help provide needed building supplies for the planned homes. Both contractors and the public are encouraged to shop and donate surplus or recyclable building materials to help.

Green Beach will be hosting The Exchange’s grand opening starting at 9 a.m. on Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at its warehouse located at 5354 Banks Street, San Diego, CA 92110. A variety of eco-friendly workshops will be given each hour by Green Beach’s partners, and in honor of Veteran’s Day all purchases will be an additional 11% off. The public is invited to attend and help celebrate veterans and their contributions.

About Green Beach

Green Beach is based in San Diego, California. It is a collection of Americans grateful to those who sacrificed their lives for our well being. The core of its mission is to provide green homes that meet the special needs of disabled veterans. To learn more about Green Beach visit greenbeachamerica.org.