HOMES FOR VETERANS A NJ NON PROFIT CORPORATION

When Kyle Chappell, the so-called “Miracle Marine,” needed help modifying his home to maneuver his wheelchair, Doug DiPaola of Harrington Park was happy to help. DiPaola, 57, founded Homes for Veterans , a nonprofit, precisely for people like Chappell. “I learned there are a lot of injured veterans who need help with things that do not meet the requirements of any VA program,” he said.

Their needs include widening doorways, installing ramps, creating roll-in showers, and modifying kitchens. Chappell, who lives in Boonton, served two tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. But he was severely injured in an April 2015 motorcycle accident after he returned to civilian life. He was riding to his job as an electrician at Esposito’s Electric in Denville when it happened.

Chappell lost a leg in the incident. His lungs collapsed. His liver, kidney, and spleen were lacerated. He also was decapitated from within. At home, he faced dangerous realities, given his long medical recuperation. First, he needed a chairlift to get in and out of his mother’s 1950’s Ranch-style house.

“Taking a shower was dangerous,” Chappell said, “there needed to be an improvement in some way. I’m still not super mobile so getting in and out of bathtubs is not preferable.” Homes for Veterans modified the Chappell bathroom for free. It removed a vanity, giving the Marine easy access to the sink, and replaced the tub with a roll-in shower.