(NewsNation) — As Veterans Day approaches and the country honors those who served, one organization is stepping up to give back to them.
Baths for the Brave provides remodeled bathrooms for disabled veterans by teaming up with several home improvement companies across the country. Founder Brian Gottlieb said he started in 2015 after hearing about a disabled veteran named Don who struggled to get out of his bathtub after a fall.
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 60% of falls happen at home. Gottlieb, who owned a home improvement company at the time, remodeled Don’s bathroom and made it more accessible for him.
“We heard about that and thought it’s unacceptable that a veteran has to live like that at home,” Gottlieb told NewsNation’s “Morning in America with Hena Doba.“
Gottlieb said they find veterans to give bathroom remodels to through Baths for the Brave’s Facebook page, nominations on their website or word-of-mouth. The installations include making the shower a low-step one to decrease the fall risk, a seat for veterans to sit down if they please and grab bars for support.
Since its inception, Baths for the Brave has helped more than 175 veterans.
“What’s really cool is that they can care for themselves with dignity and peace of mind in the safety of their own home,” Gottlieb said. “These veterans have given so much to us, and the least we can do is give them a safe shower they can use.”
This Veterans Day, 21 veterans will be gifted a new bathroom as a “thank you” for their sacrifice.