On a sunny day, Jacob Garner, Inspector and Client Advocate for Your Home Solution Experts (YHSE), found himself drawn off the main roads, taking the scenic route to a meeting in Albion. Little did he know that this spontaneous detour would lead to a meaningful partnership that could change lives. As Jacob drove through a campus filled with older homes, his instincts as a building analyst and inspector kicked in. He couldn’t shake the feeling that these houses could greatly benefit from the services offered by his company. A quick Google search revealed that this was the VFW National Home, a place dedicated to supporting veterans and their families.
This search also revealed an article from 2018 featuring his boss, Steven Fitch (Owner, YHSE), and the work he and his company and other volunteers were doing at the VFW National Home on behalf of the F4 Foundation. Jacob, referencing the discovery, “I wasn’t surprised to see Steve connected to a charitable effort. I’ve known him a long time, and he’s one of the most generous people I know; especially when supporting Veterans and children. I immediately called Steve to discuss the possibilities, and a few days later our team met with a team from the National Home to begin the qualification process.” The plan to upgrade the 45 individual residences would end up involving significant efforts from many people across multiple organizations to be successful, and we are all grateful for all their commitments.
Your Home Solution Experts is a Trade-Ally with Consumers Energy through their “Helping Neighbors” program, which provides free energy saving upgrades to income qualified customers. The National Home was excited to learn that it qualified for the “Helping Neighbors” initiative. The two organizations quickly recognized the impact that the program could have on The VFW National Home, offering essential services and efficiency upgrades like air sealing, attic insulation, replacing shower heads, aerators, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and adding digital thermostats. Additionally, the program assesses whether furnaces or air conditioners need to be replaced, ensuring that homes are safe and energy efficient.
As a Navy veteran, Steve deeply understands the significance of Jacob’s findings. Steve initially visited the VFW National Home in 2016, he expressed a sentiment that remains relevant today: “Veterans are forgotten. That’s just really what it is. Veterans are just forgotten, and they don’t forget them here. Since 1925 they have not forgotten them here. That’s huge.” This mission profoundly resonates with Jacob, who emphasizes that the true value extends beyond merely saving energy; it lies in enhancing the well-being of the families living in these homes.
For Jacob, ensuring a healthy, safe environment for these families is not just a job; it’s a passion. “The families matter the most,” he shares. “It’s about health and safety, with energy efficiency. It’s about giving them a healthier place to live.” Having witnessed firsthand how home air quality impacts the lives of residents, particularly young children, Jacob is driven to provide a healthier living environment.
The financial savings for The National Home received from the upgrades are expected to average $12,000 annually for all the homes, but for Jacob, it’s about so much more than dollars and cents. He recalls a heartwarming encounter with a family whose furnace had started running less often after receiving the expected insulation upgrades. “A furnace not running all the time will save the National Home money in repairs, energy bills, and replacement costs,” Jacob explains. “But it also brings the family a more comfortable living environment along with some added peace and quiet, which is priceless.” Your Home Solution Experts embodies four core pillars, as displayed in their logo—Health, Safety, Comfort and Savings —and these principles guide their mission at the VFW National Home.
As we reflect on the YHSE team’s journey and the invaluable work being done at the VFW National Home, it becomes clear that this initiative is about more than just energy efficiency upgrades. It’s about restoring confidence and pride to families who have sacrificed so much for our country. The smiles of the families, the stories of gratitude, and the promise of a better tomorrow resonate deeply. In a world where it’s easy to overlook the needs of those who have served us, Steve and Jacob remind us that by investing in our veterans, we aren’t just changing their homes; we are nurturing their futures. It’s a beautiful testament to the power of community and compassion.
