Our story

Built by those who serve. Inspired by gratitude.

Decks for a Hero honors veterans, police officers, and firefighters by building high-quality outdoor spaces at no cost. We started in Gary, Indiana with one mission: create lasting places for heroes and their families.

Wooden deck materials and construction tools in golden afternoon light
Completed residential deck ready for a family to enjoy
Meet the team

Driven by service, built by Kevin Strayn

Kevin founded Decks for Heroes in Gary to honor those who serve our community. What started as one person's mission to build meaningful outdoor spaces has grown into a movement supported by volunteers and donors who share the same commitment to veterans, police officers, and firefighters.

Hero stories

Real lives changed by Decks for Heroes

Read how veterans, police officers, and firefighters in Gary are using their new outdoor spaces to heal, connect, and build memories with family.

This deck has given me a place to sit with my kids every evening. After my service, I needed quiet space to decompress, and now I have it right outside my door.

James Martinez, veteran

James Martinez

Veteran, U.S. Army

My family gatherings are on this deck now. The quality is incredible, and knowing it was built by volunteers who care means everything to us.

Officer Sarah Chen

Officer Sarah Chen

Police Officer, Gary Police Department

After twenty years on the job, I finally have a safe, peaceful place to unwind. My crew comes over, and we just relax out there. It changed how I spend my time at home.

Michael Rodriguez, firefighter

Michael Rodriguez

Firefighter, Gary Fire Department

I didn't expect this kind of support. The deck is beautiful, and it reminds me every day that my service matters and that people care. That means more than I can say.

David Thompson, veteran

David Thompson

Veteran, U.S. Marine Corps

Our impact

Building spaces for heroes

Every donation brings us closer to honoring more of those who serve. See how Decks for Heroes is growing in Gary.

3

Categories served

Veterans, police officers, and firefighters receive free decks built by Decks for Heroes.

$15K

Per additional deck

Every fifteen thousand dollars donated funds one more deck for a hero in our community.

1

Deck per category yearly

We commit to building at least one free deck for each service group every year.

100%

No cost to recipients

Every deck is built at no charge, funded entirely by donations to Decks for Heroes.

Questions

Questions about Decks for Heroes

Find answers about applying, donating, and how we build decks for heroes in Gary.

Get in touch

Ready to join us or apply for a deck?

Send us a message with questions about Decks for Heroes, or start your application today. We'll respond soon.

A veteran standing on a newly built wooden deck, overlooking a residential backyard