Everyday life is going to get easier for Dexter resident Jeff Hull. Hull will soon move into his new home on West St. Francis Street.
Hull is a disabled veteran of the United States Army. Hull is a 2001 graduate of Puxico High School and served in the Army infantry from 2001 to 2004. His service included a year in Iraq.
An injury to his C4 vertebrae after his return home from service has left him with no use of his legs and little use of his hands.
Now The Home Depot Foundation and the Wake Foundation are teaming with area volunteers and donors to build Hull a home to meet his needs. Kelly Mayo of Dexter started the ball rolling on the project about three years ago.
“I was talking to God and all of the sudden he told me to build Jeffery a home,” said Mayo. “For two years, I ignored him (God).
“I said I can’t do it, I don’t have time. I am not a builder or contractor.”
She decided she could not ignore God any longer. She started a GoFundMe account and then a banking account and it took off from there. She explained 90% of the work and material are volunteer and donations. Mayo stated fundraisers have also taken place. The two year process is nearing an end, as they hope Hull can move in approximately a month from now.
Hull has had the opportunity to choose as much of the décor as possible, from the color the walls are painted to the cabinet style, flooring, etc.
“We were approached by Kelly and Robert Wake of the non-profit Wake Foundation,” said Simon McGuckin with the Home Depot Foundation. “We ask a non profit to sponsor a project like this.”
After Home Depot accepted the project for Hull, a grant through the foundation known as Team Depot was applied for and was awarded in the amount of $4,500. The grant is predicated on the work being done by volunteers, stated McGuckin.
This was used to pay for cabinets, counter tops and backsplash tile. Everyone working at the house to get it ready for Hull is doing so on a volunteer basis. Since 2011 The Home Depot Foundation has give $250 million toward projects to benefit veterans and has pledged another $250 million to be used by 2025.
For Robert Wake, these projects hold a special meaning. Wake retired from military service in the Army in 2010. Wake was wounded in combat in 2004 and spent 13 months in the hospital. Upon his retirement, he started the foundation.
“It’s incredible,” Wake said of the project. “There are so many of them (veterans) that need help. When I heard about it, I didn’t hesitate.”
“This is going to give him a home where he can get around and maneuver around,” said Wake. “And feel like he is living on his own.”
The house will include equipment in the bedroom to assist Hull in getting out of bed. There will also be a room where Hull can exercise and do therapy.
The floor will be equipped with an alarm that can detect a fall in the house. The alarm will send an alert to family members letting them know Hull may need assistance.
“It is going to be amazing,” said Hull. “I have never had anything like this since I have been injured.”
Hull also stated the house would allow him to get around without bumping into things.
“It is going to be a very, very, good ordeal for me,” said Hull.
Hull’s mother April Vancil expressed her appreciation as well.
“It is amazing, he is excited, I am excited,” she said. “It has been a lot of work, but so much fun.”
The house and the facilities inside will give Hull the ability to do things he hasn’t been able to do since his injury. He will be able to roll his electric wheelchair under the kitchen sink and wash his hands. Currently he uses a wash cloth to wash his hands because he cannot reach the sink. His mom washes his hair in the kitchen sink. Now, with the fully accessible shower in the new house, he will be able go into the shower in a wheelchair designed for the shower.
“This is going to be a real blessing,” said Hull.
This project was made possible through numerous donations, volunteer hours and fundraisers.