Over 800 volunteers are working on homes all over Kosciusko County today as part of the United Way’s annual Day of Caring event. Home repair projects are being completed today for those who otherwise could not afford to do the repairs themselves.

This year, the focus is on assisting veterans and widows of veterans who are in need of housing repairs, to honor them for the sacrifices they have made for the country. Of the 73 families, 19 are veterans or widows of veterans. Each home is identified by an American flag in the yard, alongside a Day of Caring sign.

Housing Opportunities partnered with Energize Indiana in Mentone’s Day of Caring. Twenty-six homes will receive energy assessments, which will identify where that home has the largest energy loss. The homeowners will also receive aerators and shower heads that will reduce their water usage and energy saving light bulbs. Four families qualified to have complete energy audits and their homes will receive insulation and sealing. Housing Opportunities will receive $25 for each home they work on, which will be matched for the housing improvement grant for Mentone.