Severely Wounded Vets Get Free Homes In Southwest Riverside Co.

SOUTHWEST RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Two severely injured Southwest Riverside County veterans are receiving free, specially adapted homes thanks to efforts by the national nonprofit Homes For Our Troops.

Army Specialist Carlos Gomez, who lost his right leg and sustained severe injuries to his back while serving in Afghanistan in 2011, is getting a home in Menifee. Marine First Sergeant Marcus Wilson, who lost his left leg and sustained several other severe injuries while serving in Iraq in 2006, will be moving into a Winchester home.

“After being injured, I had no hope in life. I always felt like no one appreciated veterans and my service didn’t mean anything. But receiving this home has lifted my spirits up tremendously. I can’t even begin to express how much this means to me,” Gomez said.

“By receiving this free home, I will be able to invest more time into my children’s lives and my healthcare," Wilson said.

Special "key ceremonies" for the veterans are scheduled Jan. 25. For Gomez, the 10 a.m. event takes place at his donated home, 32698 Mira St., Menifee. Wilson's 3 p.m. ceremony takes place at his donated home, 31625 Monaco Court, Winchester.

The homes for these two veterans feature more than 40 major special adaptations, such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops, according to Homes For Our Troops. The homes will also alleviate the mobility and safety issues associated with a traditional home, including navigating a wheelchair through narrow hallways or over thresholds, riding on carpets, or reaching for cabinets that are too high, HFOT said.

Contributions from HFOT donors, supporters, and corporate partners made the free homes to the veterans possible.

Currently, there are over 80 active projects in need of funding to complete. To find out more on how to get involved or make a donation visit www.hfotusa.org.

Read more about Gomez and Wilson and watch their videos at: www.hfotusa.org/gomez and www.hfotusa.org/wilson.