WASHINGTON — Home Depot and Lowe's have announced a new Veterans Day promotion offering homeless veterans 10% off used cardboard boxes, describing the discount as a historic commitment to providing shelter for those who once defended the nation.
"Our veterans gave us everything, and we're giving them 10% off cardboard," said Home Depot CEO Ted Decker, his voice choking with emotion. "It's the least we can do. Literally."
The initiative, developed in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, will allow eligible veterans to purchase used cardboard boxes at participating locations, just in time for winter.
"Every veteran deserves a roof over their head," said a Lowe's spokesperson. "And while a cardboard box doesn't technically have a roof, it does have four walls and a top. That's five out of six sides covered."
Both companies emphasized their longstanding commitment to veterans, citing millions of dollars invested in housing programs and charitable partnerships.
"We already do a lot for veterans," Decker said. "This gives us another opportunity to do something without spending any money."
The retailers said the discount would apply to a wide variety of boxes, including those previously used to transport appliances, plumbing supplies and seasonal merchandise.
Veterans with documented combat experience will qualify for premium boxes featuring thicker walls, reinforced seams and limited water resistance.
"These are the Cadillac of cardboard boxes," said a Home Depot representative, demonstrating a refrigerator carton large enough to accommodate two adults. "You could live in one of these for weeks, weather permitting."
The premium boxes will cost an additional $19.99 before the military discount.
To prevent fraud, veterans seeking discounted shelter must present a valid military ID, proof of service and documentation of their current housing status.
VA officials said veterans without identification may apply for a cardboard box through a 17-page application available at participating VA medical centers.
The form requires applicants to provide their current residential address.
"We understand that some homeless veterans may have difficulty completing that section," said a VA spokesperson. "That's why we've included a space for a previous address."
Applications will be processed within six to eight weeks.
For veterans who need immediate shelter, both retailers will offer expedited box distribution at select locations, provided applicants can demonstrate an urgent need and furnish a mailing address where the box can be delivered.
Some veterans questioned whether the program adequately addressed their needs.
"I did two tours in Afghanistan, and now I'm supposed to be grateful for two dollars off a used box?" said Jim Randle, a 58-year-old Marine veteran who has been homeless for five years.
Randle examined a refrigerator carton with a large hole in the side.
"Also, why the fuck are they charging for these?"
Decker defended the decision, explaining that giving the boxes away would undermine the dignity of veterans who had served their country.
"We don't believe in handouts," he said. "These men and women fought for freedom, and freedom means having the opportunity to purchase your own shelter at a competitive price."
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins praised the partnership as an innovative public-private solution to veteran homelessness.
"This is about empowering veterans with choices," Collins said. "Some might prefer a dishwasher box. Others might need something larger, like a refrigerator box. The important thing is that the government isn't making that decision for them."
Both companies said they were exploring additional benefits for homeless veterans, including discounts on damaged tarps, returned sleeping bags and hot coffee purchased before 6 a.m.
At press time, Randle was informed that his military discount could not be combined with a clearance promotion on the box he had selected.
"Store policy," the cashier explained.
Randle thanked him for his service.
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