Home Depot volunteers spruce up Fresno's Hacienda hotel for homeless veterans

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Fresno landmark got a much needed makeover. Dozens of volunteers turned out for a day of service at the former Hacienda hotel.

Dressed in orange and armed with their hands, Home Depot employees went to work to help brighten a piece of land and help veterans in a special way.

John 'Top ' Schuler with Central Valley Veterans said, "It's a fabulous thing that Home Depot comes onboard here. When we get this koi pond done, when the veterans get on here, it's going to be a place where veterans can come and have some quiet time and do some meditation."

To help spruce up the space, Home Depot volunteers spent their time outside as part of Celebration of Service Day. The crews were hard at work constructing a koi pond, benches and walkway.

Mayon Gurien with Home Depot said, "We do these things every single day in our stores and so it's just a natural transition for us to be able to do the same things out in the community."

The Hacienda was once a famous Fresno landmark and soon will house veterans in need of services.

Kim Bond with Mental Health Systems said, "Mental Health Systems has over nine programs here in Fresno and now to add this veterans component, to be able to create this for veterans families and for veterans with their children to live here is just fantastic."

Officials say Fresno has a high percentage of homeless veterans in need of services and shelter.

Gurien added, "The way they dedicated their lives to our protection and our freedoms, this is just a small thing I can do to help out."

Work that will one day provide a refuge for those who are healing.

In addition to the celebration of service day, officials say the Hacienda will undergo renovations in the next year, so they can help more veterans and their families.