Transforming Lives Through Partnership: RTNNV & Home Depot Foundation
At Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada, we believe that community is built one home at a time. Thanks to our incredible partnership with The Home Depot Foundation and dedicated volunteers, we're transforming homes and lives across our region.
Making Homes Safer for Reno Seniors
For Dick Stoddard, a 78-year-old veteran and longtime Reno TV Weatherman living with Parkinson’s disease, keeping up with home repairs had become impossible. But thanks to the generous support of The Home Depot Foundation and the incredible dedication of Team Depot volunteers, Dick’s outdoor space was completely transformed.
Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clear debris, remove unwanted items, paint the fence and front door, lay artificial turf, and trim overgrown trees — creating a safer, more beautiful environment where Dick can feel proud and at peace.
This Rebuilding Day was all about honoring a veteran, restoring dignity, and showing what compassion in action truly looks like.
Why Partnerships Matter: Without the support of corporate partners like The Home Depot Foundation and individual donors, projects like these simply wouldn't be possible. Their commitment allows us to purchase materials, coordinate volunteer efforts, and transform homes for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Honoring a Community Icon - Helping Former Weatherman Dick Stoddard
Making a Difference for Dick Stoddard
30 dedicated volunteers from Home Depot gathered at the home of former KOLO weatherman Dick Stoddard, who retired in 2020 and is now battling Parkinson's disease.
"In this case, Dick's caregiver reached out to us," explains Katie Pace, our Program Manager at Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada. "After determining his eligibility, we worked with Dick to understand his specific needs and how we could help."
Our partnership with Home Depot began with interior modifications, including installing a walk-in shower and safety handles throughout the home. When we returned to transform his outdoor space, Dick was overwhelmed by the community's generosity.
"They asked if I wanted my yard done in the fall," Dick shared. "Absolutely. And they are doing a hell of a job. They've trimmed down the trees. It is just amazing."
From his sunroom, where he pedals his stationary bike to maintain mobility, Dick watched as the Team Depot volunteers cleaned his carport, removed excess trees and overgrown bushes, laid down synthetic turf, and revitalized his outdoor living space.
Jason Drape, a District Manager with Home Depot, explained the motivation behind their involvement: "When someone has a challenging medical condition, everyday tasks become difficult. We love to jump in because when you take 20-30 of our orange-blooded associates together, we can accomplish pretty much anything for anyone."
Reflecting on the experience, Dick expressed his gratitude: "I can't believe how people want to help other people. Too good to be true... sometimes it is..."
Our Gratitude: We extend our deepest thanks to The Home Depot Foundation, Team Depot volunteers, and all our donors who make these life-changing projects possible. Your support enables us to serve more neighbors in need and create safer, healthier homes throughout Northern Nevada.
These projects demonstrate the incredible impact that happens when nonprofits, corporate partners, and community volunteers come together. We're not just repairing homes! We're restoring dignity, independence, and hope.
Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada continues to make homes safer and healthier for low-income homeowners, particularly seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities throughout our community.