Overview:
When Dale Beatty and John Gallina co-founded Purple Heart Homes in 2008, they weren’t building an organization—they were answering a sacred call. Their mission was both simple and profound: to honor the sacrifice of veterans by making sure they have a safe, accessible place to call home. What began as a local effort in Statesville, North Carolina, has since grown into a nationwide movement—over 1,500 projects completed, each one a lifeline of hope and dignity.
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Overview:
When Dale Beatty and John Gallina co-founded Purple Heart Homes in 2008, they weren’t building an organization—they were answering a sacred call. Their mission was both simple and profound: to honor the sacrifice of veterans by making sure they have a safe, accessible place to call home. What began as a local effort in Statesville, North Carolina, has since grown into a nationwide movement—over 1,500 projects completed, each one a lifeline of hope and dignity.
A Mission Born from Brotherhood and Battle:
Dale and John’s story began in 1996 when two teenagers raised their right hands and enlisted in the North Carolina National Guard. They deployed across the country, helping communities recover from devastating floods and hurricanes. Even at 17 and 18 years old, they recognized a powerful truth: they could make a difference. “Together,” John said, “we realized we could do something that really mattered.”
That bond deepened when they were deployed to Iraq. In 2004, their Humvee hit an anti-tank mine. In an instant, Dale lost both legs below the knees. John suffered a traumatic brain injury, serious back injuries, and was left to battle the invisible wounds of war. Dale spent over a year recovering at Walter Reed Hospital. Though he returned home, his life—and John’s—would never be the same.
In 2018, Dale passed away suddenly at just 39 years old. But the spark they lit together continued to burn.
From Recovery to Purpose:
When Dale came home in 2005 to a house that didn’t meet his new needs, it was the people of Statesville who showed up. Neighbors, friends, and fellow veterans rallied to rebuild his home. And among them was John, who used his skills as a general contractor to help his brother-in-arms.
As they worked, John noticed something bigger happening. “These older veterans were showing up to help Dale,” he recalled. “And we started asking—who’s helping them?”
It wasn’t just about ramps or widened doorways. It was about dignity. About not leaving behind those who already sacrificed so much. “We talk about veteran suicide,” John said, “about how many feel forgotten, alone, like they’re no longer needed. The best way to fight that is to show them they still matter.”
And so Purple Heart Homes was born—with a vision to serve all generations of veterans, no matter their age, rank, or the visibility of their wounds.
Every Home Tells a Story:
Purple Heart Homes isn’t just about building or remodeling homes—it’s about restoring lives. Their work meets veterans where they are: installing wheelchair ramps, replacing dangerous roofs, eliminating black mold, and creating spaces where healing can begin.
One story stands out—that of George Kelly, a Vietnam veteran in South Carolina. Suffering from complications due to Agent Orange, George had lost a leg and could no longer move freely in his home. Purple Heart Homes stepped in, building a ramp that allowed him to return to the place he loved. He spent his final days in peace, surrounded by familiar walls and cherished memories.
After he passed, his family sent Purple Heart Homes his prosthetic leg—as a token of gratitude. Today, that leg has been turned into a lamp that sits in the organization’s lobby—a glowing symbol of impact, remembrance, and love.
“When you’re deployed,” John said, “you dream about home. All you want is to be home. That’s what we give back.”
New Solutions, Same Mission:
Veteran homelessness remains one of America’s most painful challenges. Purple Heart Homes is meeting it head-on—with innovation, compassion, and community. Their latest initiative: tiny homes. These small, dignified spaces offer transitional housing to veterans who are rebuilding their lives, one step at a time.
In partnership with organizations like Fifth Street Ministries and the Statesville Housing Authority, they’re not just placing roofs over heads—they’re creating models that can be replicated in cities across the country.
“A 1,400-square-foot house can feel overwhelming when you’re coming from the streets,” John said. “But a tiny home? That’s manageable. That’s a place to start again.”
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