MATTAPOISETT – The national nonprofit organization, Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) will kick off the building of a specially adapted custom home for Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rebecca Mann on Saturday, Oct. 22. Mann was injured while serving in Afghanistan.

The Community Kickoff event signifies the start of the build process and will introduce Mann to the community. The event will be held at Knights of Columbus on 57 Fairhaven Rd. at 10 a.m.

The public is welcome to attend. Space is limited and everyone must register to attend. Sign-up at www.hfotusa.org/mann.

In March 2014, during her second deployment, Mann was serving with the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division when she sustained an injury to her right foot. After months of pain, she sought medical attention and eventually underwent foot reconstruction surgery, followed by two more operations; both of which were not successful. In recent years, Rebecca has elected to have both her legs amputated due to pain and a microvascular condition that was causing pain and blood flow issues in her limbs.

The home being built for Rebecca will feature more than 40 major special adaptations such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops. The home will also alleviate the mobility and safety issues associated with a traditional home, including navigating a wheelchair through narrow hallways or over thresholds, or reaching for cabinets that are too high.

HFOT has built 345 homes since the organization’s inception in 2004. Homes For Our Troops relies on contributions from donors, supporters, and corporate partners for the building of each Veteran’s home. Community members may hold fundraisers or make donations. To find out more on how to get involved or make a donation visit www.hfotusa.org.

Read more about Rebecca’s story and watch his video at www.hfotusa.org/mann.