Fort Benning is the largest employer in the Columbus Metro Area. Many who are stationed here end up loving the area and making it home. According to the most recent US Census numbers, there are more than 42,000 veterans living in East Central Alabama and West Central Georgia.
House of Heroes Chattahoochee Valley (HOH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to making lives better through complimentary home repairs for military veterans, their families, and public safety veterans.
“These veterans are heroes. Their service has made life better for all of us, so it’s an honor to make life better for them,” said local House of Heroes Executive Director, Josh McQuien.
McQuien has a heart for service. He served as an officer with the Columbus Police Department, and previously with HOH in development, Valley Rescue Mission, and Paws Humane. In January 2025, he was named Executive Director of the organization.
Ed Harbison served in the Marines and is a recipient of the Purple Heart. He has served as the Georgia State Senator for District 15, which includes Columbus, since 1992. Senator Harbison is the Vice Chair of the Committee for Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security.
“I can’t say thank you enough for what Home for Heroes Chattahoochee Valley does for veteran families. Their contribution to the veteran community is immeasurable,” said Senator Harbison.
The core of what House of Heroes provides is repairing and making homes accessible for older veterans. They accomplish those goals through volunteer support from area businesses including TSYS, Synovus, Wells Fargo, Daniel Appliance, Overhead Garage, and area churches.
“We have a staff member who guides those projects resulting in about 40 to 50 home renovations each year,” McQuien said.
Sometimes the volunteers are at homes to do some landscaping, including trimming hedges and raking leaves, that veterans might not have the physical ability or resources to get done, but occasionally, McQuien says they just need someone to talk to. “We are here for that as well.”
Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 2. In this season of thanks for giving, there is a way to support veterans through House of Heroes Chattahoochee Valley. If you want to be a hero for a hero, click here.
“Everything we can do to support HOH and any other organizations that support our men and women who serve and their families is a blessing,” said Senator Harbison.
For more information on House of Heroes Chattahoochee Valley, you can follow them on Facebook here.
