Witnessing the credit union experience with Homes for OurTroops, a handful of banks led by Bank of America, are now playingcatch-up.

"I think the banks, struggling with their reputation and tryingto restore confidence, see the positive exposure credit unions haveenjoyed," explained a spokeswoman for HFOT, a Taunton, Mass. groupspearheading the building of specially fitted homes for severelyinjured Iraqi and Afghanistan war veterans.

Just this week the $723 million Advantis CU of Milwaukie, Ore.said it was soliciting Oregon CUs for 2009 fundraising to buildhomes for two injured vets, one in Portland and the other in HoodRiver.

The two vets to receive the free homes "lost their legs in theline of duty and live in places that do not accommodate theirdisabilities and create obstacles for daily living." Thespecifically adapted homes include such amenities as wheelchaircabinetry, roll-in showers and automatic door openers.

Outside of Advantis, the HFOT spokeswoman said BofA and AmericanState Bank of Texas are the latest title sponsors.

Last year CUNA, together with the Minnesota and Colorado/WyomingLeagues helped erect homes in Golden, Colo. and Woodbury, Minn.,gaining media and political exposure during the Democratic andRepublican Party conventions. Active support for HFOT has also comefrom the Massachusetts and Missouri leagues.