Community Comes Together to Help Anderson Veteran

Community Comes Together to Help Anderson Veteran

Upstate nonprofits and local businesses come together to help a veteran and his family in need in Anderson County.

Bruce Fisher, an eight-year US Army National Guard veteran was laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fisher lives in Anderson with his wife and two young sons. Their home needed significant repairs to become safe and accessible.

When the Fisher family reached out to Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter, it was clear the need surpassed available resources. The team moved swiftly to partner with Rebuild Upstate to complete additional home repairs. Rebuild Upstate also connected the Fishers with volunteers from Emmanuel’s Hammer. Upstate Warrior Solution’s Anderson Community Action Board worked to connect the family with additional resources including assistance provided through United Way of Anderson County. Through collaboration, community leaders were able to provide badly needed home repairs, ensure the family received funds for living expenses, and even ensured the young children received Christmas presents.

“We appreciate everyone that’s been involved in the whole project,” Fisher said. “We would recommend Emmanuel’s Hammer to anybody. When Rebuild Upstate and Purple Heart Homes say they’re gonna do something, they get in there and get it done. It changed my life 100%.”

Repairs made by Rebuild Upstate and Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter included a new central heat with air conditioning system and ductwork, new plumbing throughout, a new roof, and upgrades to electrical, bathroom and kitchen.

Local area businesses, including MCG Mechanical, McGee Heating and Air, Isom Electric, Simpson Plumbing, and Southern Building Construction, Inc., graciously donated or discounted services and materials to make repairs possible.

“Our collective work on the Fisher family’s home sheds light on the growing needs of veterans in our community who have honorably served our country,” said Chris Manley, Rebuild Upstate’s founder and President/CEO. “With 8.5% of Upstate veterans living in poverty, our collective job isn’t done. Rebuild Upstate looks forward to pursuing future partnerships to provide critical home repairs for veterans and their families throughout the Upstate.”

About Rebuild Upstate:

Rebuild Upstate serves low-income homeowners with repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties. Its team envisions a community where everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity in a safe home environment in order to maintain and foster strong, sustainable communities. Learn more at www.rebuildupstate.org.

About Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter:

Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter is a 100% volunteer 501(c)3 that provides deserving veterans in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties, with free home improvements making their homes safe and accessible since 2013. Learn more at