Purple Heart Homes

“Our mission is to help all generations of veterans, no matter their age or degree of injury. One veteran is not worth more than another. Whether your injuries are visible or invisible. Whatever your circumstances are, we want to improve the quality of life for all veterans.” John Gallina, CEO

"Battle Buddies on a Mission' - CNN

When Dale Beatty and John Gallina co-founded Purple Heart Homes in 2008, their mission was straightforward yet profound: to honor and support veterans by ensuring they have safe, accessible homes. Purple Heart Homes has grown exponentially into a nationwide organization, completing nearly 1,500 projects and touching countless lives. Their work extends far beyond Statesville, NC, with projects as far-reaching as Alaska and Puerto Rico.

Dale and John’s journey began in 1996 when they both enlisted in the North Carolina National Guard. Their service took them through stateside deployments for hurricane and flood relief efforts, experiences that shaped their dedication to making a difference. “We realized that as young 17-18 year olds we could make a difference in people’s lives,” John said. “Together we could do something that could have a bigger impact.”

A Mission Born from Service

Dale and John’s journey began in 1996 when they both enlisted in the North Carolina National Guard. Their service took them through stateside deployments for hurricane and flood relief efforts, experiences that shaped their dedication to making a difference.

“We realized that as young 17-18 year olds we could make a difference in people’s lives,” John said. “Together we could do something that could have a bigger impact.”

Dale and John continued their work in the National Guard and were deployed to Iraq. In 2004, their humvee struck an anti-tank mine resulting in multiple injuries. Dale was now a double amputee below the knees and ended up spending a year in Walter Reed Hospital. Dale later passed away unexpectedly in 2018 at only 39 years old. John suffered from severe back injuries, a traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In 2005, Dale was coming back to Statesville to a home not handicap accessible, with two small children, and the Statesville community stepped up. John, a general contractor by trade, joined in to make Dale’s home handicap accessible. “I’m seeing all these older veterans helping with Dale’s house and donating,” John said. “We started thinking about who is helping them now? Who is helping the older generation of veterans? It was bad enough that Vietnam Vets were not welcomed home properly the first time, but they are being left behind even now. We talk about Veteran suicide rates today and how many feel isolated, alone, unworthy, not needed and wanted. We can best fight suicide by helping meet their needs.”

This inspired the duo to start Purple Heart Homes in 2008. “Our mission is to help all generations of veterans, no matter their age or degree of injury,” John said. “One veteran is not worth more than another. Whether your injuries are visible or invisible. Whatever your circumstances are, we want to improve the quality of life for all veterans.” That first year Purple Heart Homes set a goal of getting 200 applicants for veteran projects, now on average they receive 1,400 applications a year.

Filling the Gap for Veterans

Purple Heart Homes focuses on addressing the unique housing challenges veterans face. Whether it’s a new roof, installing wheelchair ramps, or mitigating mold, their work ensures veterans can live safely and independently. The organization’s projects often involve older veterans living on fixed incomes, whose homes have become unsafe or inaccessible over time.

One such story is that of George Kelly, a Vietnam veteran in South Carolina. Battling complications from Agent Orange, George lost a leg and struggled to navigate his home. Purple Heart Homes installed a wheelchair ramp, allowing him to return home and live out his last days with dignity. “He passed away in the home he loved,” John shares. “His family even sent us his prosthetic leg as a thank-you for what it meant to him.” (The leg is now made into a lamp that’s in the lobby of the Purple Heart Homes office as a daily reminder.)

“We thought about what it meant for George to be able to pass in his own home,” John said. “When you’re deployed in the military, you think so much about home and want to be at home. We help veterans to be able to be at home.”

Innovation in Housing

In recent years, the organization has tackled veteran homelessness with innovative solutions like tiny homes. These compact, affordable homes provide transitional housing for veterans, helping them move from shelters to independent living. Partnering with local organizations such as Fifth Street Ministries, Statesville Housing Authority and Piedmont Veterans Assistance Council, Purple Heart Homes is creating a sustainable model that’s replicable nationwide.

“A 1,400-square-foot home can be overwhelming to maintain,” John explains. “Tiny homes offer veterans a manageable and dignified space to rebuild their lives.”

Building Community

Purple Heart Homes’ impact goes beyond construction. The organization fosters a sense of belonging and purpose for veterans and volunteers alike. Their team includes over 200 full-time volunteers, half of whom are veterans spanning five generations. From hosting fundraisers to baking cookies for workers, there are countless ways for the community to get involved.

For those looking to contribute financially, the “Hearts of Honor Club” invites supporters to donate just $25 a month, providing a steady stream of funding for their mission. Legacy gifts and IRA distributions are other impactful ways to ensure the organization’s longevity.

A Call to Action

John emphasizes that supporting veterans is about more than a simple “thank you for your service.” “Engage with them,” he urges. “Ask where they served, what they did. Show them they’re valued and heard.”

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