The Home of Record Project Receives $5,000 Grant from Homes for Heroes Foundation

The Homes for Heroes Foundation awarded the Home for Record Project (HRP) with a $5,000 grant to help provide direct, tangible support to honor and empower our nation’s veterans with safe and stable housing and other resources. Homes for Heroes, Inc. and the Homes for Heroes Foundation are honored to support the Home for Record Project in their mission to assist veteran homelessness and to provide important resources and support.

The Home of Record Project’s Mission

Why was the Home of Record Project Established?

In 2023, Marine Corps veteran and Home of Record Project Chairman and Founder, Gary Schell, found himself battling cancer and a divorce at the same time.

Gary had this to say about that challenging time in his life:

“In 2021, I would say I pretty much had what most people would consider the American dream. I had a house, wife, dog, and good career. Then, unexpectedly I was diagnosed with cancer and it turned my life upside down. Quickly following my diagnosis, I went through a divorce. It put me in a hole. I was not in a good headspace and could not see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Gary said, “God gave me a second chance.” He decided to turn his own challenging experiences into action and launched the Home of Record Project to make sure no veteran facing homelessness, or the stress that can lead to it, would need to face it alone.

HRP was built to honor service, offer compassionate support, and restore stability where it’s needed most: at home.

Gary explained it like this:

“I founded this nonprofit to help house veterans. And really, it comes from navigating my crisis and understanding what it’s like to be there. So with the skill set I had in real estate, by moving around to facilitate my treatment, and then understanding what it’s like to be in crisis, I figured I’d be an asset to the community by being able to offer housing for veterans that are going through their own crisis.”

What Does the Home of Record Project Do to Help Heroes?

By combining housing, financial relief, and holistic support, the Home of Record Project empowers veterans to move from crisis to stability, and into the purposeful civilian life they earned.

• Comprehensive Housing Assistance – the Home of Record Project secures and develops safe, affordable units, offers bridge (transitional) housing, and partners with landlords and agencies so veterans can keep a roof over their heads.
• Financial Stability Grants – When back rent, utility shut‑offs, or other emergencies threaten a veteran’s home; the Home of Record Project’s screened grants step in to stop eviction and keep the lights on.
• Social Support Services – From job placement and resume help to mental‑health counseling, legal referrals, and community events; HRP connects vets with resources that rebuild confidence and prevent isolation.

93% of the donated funds given to the Home of Record Project is used to support the mission of service to veterans.

Gary had this to share about the importance of the organizations transparency as it pertains to serving their community:

“We’re really proud of that number. As a nonprofit that serves the community, we want to be as transparent as possible with where our donor funds are allocated. I think some nonprofits unfortunately miss the mark with this.

When you’re working with the community and you’re providing your services, trust and transparency is absolutely paramount.

It’s important for somebody who donates to know their dollars are going to the veterans who are actually in need, and we’re providing the services to get them back up on their feet.”

Homes for Heroes mortgage specialist, Doug Caldwell, was the individual who nominated the Home of Record Project to receive the Homes for Heroes Foundation grant.

Doug was asked why nominating the Home of Record Project was important to him, and he responded by saying:

“I met Gary and Veronica at an Army event at Papago Park in Scottsdale, AZ. I heard Gary speak, and it really touched my heart because it reminded me a lot of myself. Sometimes you hear a guy’s story, and you say, I can relate to that story.

May 29th, 2015 was supposed to be the last day I lived. So when I heard him (Gary) talk about his project, his organization, it really hit home.

It’s not all about the housing they offer. They act as a liaison and help with other services. It’s financial, emotional, physical and mental assistance. They help put you in a place where you can become a better person.”

How will this Grant be Used to Support Heroes?

The Homes for Heroes Foundation is honored to support the Home of Record Project with its mission to help U.S. veterans with safe and stable housing and other important resources by awarding the organization with a $5,000 grant.

Watch the grant presentation video:

Veronica Morgan, HRP Director of Community Engagement and Development, explained how the Homes for Heroes Foundation grant would be used to make a positive impact on veterans’ lives:

“We have a location in Mesa, AZ and we would love to expand and scale our programs at our Mesa property, which includes career development, resume writing, professional development, certifications and mental health resources.”

Army veteran, JK, is currently receiving assistance through the Home of Record Project and is staying in the Mesa, AZ home where the grant funds will be applied.

He was asked how HRP has made a difference in his life and he explained the significance of his experience with the organization and their staff:

“What I love about the program, for me personally, is we don’t have to fit the program. They make the program fit us.

Each vet, there’s four of us in the house that Veronica’s talking about, we all have our own special needs. And these guys put a roof over our heads, give us time to settle in, they get to know us, and then they help us as we need to be helped.

They’re helping me pursue a career because I’m going through a career change. And, it’s a Godsend. Literally.

These guys are heroes in my book.”

How You can Support the Home of Record Project’s Mission

You can help support HRP’s mission by visiting their website. To further support their efforts, please consider making a donation to help fund the support they provide veterans in need.

Foundation Grants – Part of Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving

Grants from the Homes for Heroes Foundation are made possible by the Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving and its network of real estate and mortgage professionals. Homes for Heroes, Inc. is committed to providing savings to community heroes; including firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, military (active duty, reserves and veterans), healthcare professionals and teachers.

To expand its Circle of Giving, Homes for Heroes, Inc., donates a portion of its earnings to the Homes for Heroes Foundation. So, every time a hero buys or sells a home using the Homes for Heroes program, they are helping other heroes across the country who are facing a housing crisis, or are in need of urgent financial assistance.

If you are interested in learning more about how Homes for Heroes can guide you through the home buying, selling or refinancing process AND save you an average of $3,000 after closing on a home, simply sign up to be connected with our local specialists. They will follow up with you to answer all of your questions.

If you’re interested in learning about our wider impact, simply visit the Homes for Heroes Foundation page for more information about recent grants to hero organizations, how much it has awarded, and how it all works.

If you’re interested in supporting and donating to the Homes for Heroes Foundation to assist heroes in need, please visit the donation page to submit your contribution via PayPal. We thank you for your interest and support.