Makeover on Cypress Street

Four houses for homeless veterans on Cypress Street in Moon Township, Pa., got an “extreme makeover” for their kitchen areas – courtesy of a Pittsburgh-based company, Wyatt, Inc. The houses are owned, operated and maintained by The Pennsylvania American Legion Housing for Homeless Veterans, Inc. “The Pennsylvania American Legion formed The Homeless Corporation in 1987 and purchased four homes to have as transitional housing for homeless veterans,” said American Legion Past National Commander Ron Conley, who is manager of veterans affairs for Allegheny County. “Today, we have four homes in Moon Township, one home in Ephrata, Pa., and one home in Philadelphia.” The house in Philly recently won an online contest for a $45,000 makeover, sponsored by Home & Garden Television (HGTV). Votes from Legionnaires around the world helped the home win the contest. On April 18, a Wyatt, Inc., truck arrived on Cypress Street, and volunteers immediately went to work renovating the four kitchen units. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa., said Wyatt worked all day to show their gratitude for local men and women who have served in the military. The Wyatt company had approached Murphy and asked him to help facilitate a community project that would help veterans. “I commend and thank Wyatt for making the remodeling project a reality for the Cypress Street homeless veterans,” Murphy said. “Wyatt, and all the volunteers who worked to complete this project, have honored our area veterans by donating both labor and materials.” About 30 volunteers – all Wyatt employees – pitched in to remodel the four kitchens, installing new doors, cabinets, fixtures, sinks and floors. “We just appreciate the opportunity to help improve the lives of those who have served our country,” said Fred Episcopo, president of Wyatt, Inc. VA medical staff attend to the physical and mental well-being of the tenants, Conley said. “We’ve given an opportunity to more than 400 homeless veterans to become productive citizens,” he said.