Everyday, men and women all across America join the military, sacrificing their lives to protect us and the country. These soldiers are selflessly placing their personal hopes and desires on hold as they sign on. Yet, everyday veterans return from serving to no place to call home and face long lines of red tape to get affordable homes. In 2016, veterans made up over 7 percent of the homeless population. Many military members face great challenges coming home and readjusting after serving. These men and women are in fact, more likely to be homeless than civilians. Homes for Heroes recognises the need to support for these men and women, and they continue to strive for cheaper housing for all the soldiers across America. Here is how the organisation is helping America’s heroes get affordable housing.
Hero Rewards
Through the Hero Rewards program, veterans have saved over $30 million dollars when selling or buying their homes. Military members both veterans and active along with other service professionals such as firefighters and healthcare professionals can sign up with Home for Heroes and gain access to real estate resources and professionals at a reduced cost. With their extensive network of real estate professionals and lenders, Homes For Heroes helps air force members realise their dreams of owning a home. Military members can also access information on benefits available to service men and their families including A VA home loan, by using online resources dedicated to our soldiers such as MilitarySpot.
AREAA Education Foundation
In 2015, Home for Heroes launched the Welcome Home Housing Assistance Program in a bid to provide military families with financial assistance and professional counsel. Since then, the foundation has given out over $100,000 in grants to deserving veterans and their families. More recently, the AREAA Foundation has raised over $17,000 for the victims of Harvey and awarded two API veterans grants to cover their housing needs. We do not only cover housing assistance but also have a Leadership Enhancement Program that equips Asian Americans and members of the community with the right leadership skills for their career.
Home for Heroes Foundation
The Home for Heroes Foundation aims to help all military personnel with any emergency or financial assistance they may require. Each time a hero purchases or sells their home through Home for Heroes Inc, a portion goes towards the foundation. These contributions and your donations go on to help our heroes who unfortunately, need assistance to be able to afford their own home. As of 2017, the foundation has helped ten veterans and their families with grants. Our military members can return home mentally, physically and emotionally injured. Air Force veteran, Michael Cash founded Operation Family Fund in 2003 to provide veterans and their families with financial grants as they transition and achieve independence. Since its launch, Operation Family Fund has helped over 2300 families. In November, 2017 the Homes For Heroes Foundation donated $5000 in support of the Fund’s cause.
HRH also supports the Building Homes for Heroes program which constructed over 47 homes in 2017 and gifted them to deserving, injured veterans. The program is one of the fastest growing charities in the United States and continues to make a difference in the lives of injured veterans and their families. The organisation aims to provide homes to 200 veterans by 2020.
For more information on the foundation or Hero rewards program, please visit the Homes for Heroes website.
By Chrissy Upson