Kwikset brand of Spectrum Brands Inc., Hardware & Home Improvement Division, helped Building Homes for Heroes (BHH) celebrate its 300th home given to a war veteran with severe wounds and disabilities. BHH held an event to celebrate this milestone on Sept. 10, 2022 in Northlake, Tex. where they presented Army Specialist Jonathan Merchant and his wife with the keys to their new mortgage-free home.

“We were thrilled to participate in this exciting event, and to be able to provide Jonathan and his family with smart locks and door hardware for their new home. It’s an honor to be part of a program that plays a role in helping wounded veterans begin to rebuild their lives,” said Kwikset Market Manager Brandon Marshall, who was on hand at the Northlake celebration. “Brave men and women such as Jonathan Merchant serve our country and sacrifice so much — it makes me proud to work for a company that gives them something in return.”

In 1999, two years into his service, Merchant was injured in a severe motor vehicle accident, causing him to become a quadriplegic. Determined not to let his injuries define him, he learned to bike and swim, and participated in triathlons. Merchant is the recipient of the Army Achievement Medal, NATO Medal, Hero of Liberation Award, Basic Training Badge and Expert Infantry Badge.

Since 2014, Kwikset has provided smart locks and door hardware to almost 150 BHH homes across the country. The company’s Home Connect and SmartLock electronic deadbolts are particularly useful for these homes, given that these smart locks, when connected to a home automation hub, allow the user to control a number of systems within the house, including lighting, heating/cooling, A/V systems and shades. This functionality is often a necessity for veterans who have suffered severe injuries and whose mobility is limited.

Jim Rogers, BHH’s director of development, said, “Supporters like Kwikset, who has donated their outstanding lock products and door hardware for eight years, play a big role in allowing us to provide these veterans with homes in which they can be comfortable, secure, and live their lives to the fullest.”