27 March 2026. 1300 hrs
Quinnipiac University and Choate Rosemary Hall Students to Assist; No-Cost Home Repairs Now Provided to 295 Vets Since 2012
WHAT: House of Heroes Connecticut (HOHCT) will kick off its 15th Year of Service this Saturday, March 28, as the non-profit Veterans Service Organization will provide no-cost home repairs for a pair of Vietnam Veterans in East Haven and Plainville.
Saturday’s projects represent the 294th and 295th Veterans to be served by HOHCT since the organization’s founding in 2012.
Helping make Saturday’s projects possible are teams of student volunteers from Quinnipiac University and Choate Rosemary Hall. CleanCut Bath also has completed a tub-to-accessible shower conversion in East Haven.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit, HOHCT recognizes, honors and serves military and public safety veterans and/or their surviving spouses in need by providing one-day, no-cost home repairs focusing on safety and accessibility. For more information, visit www.hohct.org.
Contact: Dennis Buden, 860-558-0514, dennisb@houseofheroesct.org
WHO/WHERE:
Ralph “Butch” Mannochi (80), U.S. Army/Vietnam (1967-1968), 70 Robert Drive, East Haven
Dean Buden (79), U.S. Army/Vietnam (1966-1969), 34 Wilson Street, Plainville
WHEN: SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026, 8 A.M. – 1 P.M.
HOUSE OF HEROES CONNECTICUT TO KICK OFF 2026 SEASON WITH VETERAN HOME REPAIRS IN EAST HAVEN AND PLAINVILLE
The 2026 season for House of Heroes Connecticut (https://www.hohct.org/) will kick off tomorrow, Saturday, March 28, marking the organization’s 15th year of service to veterans across the state. With a mission rooted in dignity, safety, and respect, House of Heroes Connecticut will mobilize volunteers to deliver no-cost home repairs to those who served.
Two Vietnam Veterans will receive assistance on opening day, bringing the organization’s total number of veterans served to 295 since its founding in 2012. The work will take place simultaneously in East Haven, Connecticut, and Plainville, Connecticut, continuing a tradition that has steadily expanded across Connecticut communities.
The recipients include U.S. Army veteran Ralph “Butch” Mannochi, who served from 1967 to 1968, and U.S. Army veteran Dean Buden, who served from 1966 to 1969. Both projects will focus on improving safety, accessibility, and quality of life—core priorities that define the House of Heroes model.
Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, House of Heroes Connecticut operates with a clear and focused mission: to recognize and honor military and public safety veterans, as well as their surviving spouses, by providing critical home repairs at no cost. These repairs are typically completed in a single day, ensuring immediate and meaningful impact for recipients.
Over the past 15 years, the organization has built a reputation for efficiency, compassion, and community-driven service. Its work addresses essential needs such as accessibility modifications, structural repairs, and safety improvements—often allowing veterans to remain in their homes with greater independence and security.
Tomorrow’s efforts will be powered by a strong coalition of volunteers and partners. Students from Quinnipiac University (https://www.qu.edu/) and Choate Rosemary Hall (https://www.choate.edu/) will play a vital role, demonstrating continued support from Connecticut’s academic institutions. In addition, CleanCut Bath (https://cleancutbath.com/) will contribute by completing a tub-to-shower conversion, enhancing accessibility for one of the veterans.
This collaborative approach continues to define the organization’s success. By bringing together volunteers, local businesses, and community partners, House of Heroes Connecticut sustains a model that delivers real impact for veterans each year.
As the 2026 season begins, the organization remains focused on expanding its reach and continuing its mission—ensuring that those who served are not forgotten when it comes to safe and livable housing.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.hohct.org.