As the never-ending “residency requirements” debate lingers on, firefighters, police and emergency medical services continue to grapple with the issue of whether they should live in the community where they work. Both pro-residency and anti-residency camps have valid points; one of the reasons, perhaps, that it’s such a hot-button issue. People are torn.
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“Living Near Your Work: Pros and Cons for First Responders”
Making the decision to become a first time home buyer is complex, or if your looking to purchase your next house, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. A good first step is answering the question: How much house can I afford?
Buying a home is a big part of the American dream and one of the most important decisions, and major investments, anyone can make. Many on-the-fence heroes are wondering: “Should I buy a house in 2018, wait until next year, or simply continue renting?”
To support the family of officer Michael Chesna of the Weymouth Massachusetts Police Department, the Homes for Heroes Foundation provided the Chesna family with a $5,000 grant through the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation to help a first responder family pay off their mortgage and other expenses. As we remember the tragic events of 9/11 this month, we are honored to partner with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to support Michael Chesna’s wife, Cindy (shown holding check with brother-in-law, Captain Comperchio of the Weymouth Police Department) and Michael’s two children.
Read More “$5,000 Grant and Tunnel to Towers Help Fallen Officer Family Pay Off Mortgage, Expenses”
Today we remember 9/11/2001. It is the 9/11 17th anniversary. Not only do we need to remember this difficult day in American history, but we need to reflect upon it. More importantly, what it meant for first responders to do their job that day. What it took for New Yorkers to collect themselves and do what needed to get done that day. What it meant for those who couldn’t escape, and what it meant for the family and friends of those who didn’t make it. And, what it took for Americans across the country following 9/11 to look in the mirror, set aside our grievances, and come together as citizens of one constitution.
Here are 10 powerful quotes that help us remember and reflect on the 9/11 17th anniversary of that dark day, and the importance for all Americans to stand together.
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We had the pleasure of interviewing one of our hero healthcare professionals. Cardiac Nurse, LeAnn Pettis, tells us why she chose her profession, how her father was her role model, things she turns to for motivation, and explains how her local Homes for Heroes real estate specialist helped her sell her previous home and purchase a new home for her family.
Read More “Colorado Springs Cardiac Nurse Shares Story and Homes for Heroes Experience”
He was a 34 year old family man, business owner, and 15-year veteran volunteer firefighter for the Sun Prairie, WI fire department until July 10, 2018 when Captain Cory Barr responded to his last call. Family members, loved ones, thousands of community members and fellow first responders paid their respects and said their goodbyes to Captain Barr on Saturday, July 14 following an explosion that took his life.
The Homes for Heroes Foundation, in conjunction with the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation (PFFWCF), provided a $5,000 grant to help support Cory’s wife, Abby and their twin daughters.
“I don’t know if it was brotherly rivalry, but my motivation was to prove them wrong. It’s a weird way to do it, but I wanted to show them that I could. And I’m glad that I did. Because as a child, I was missing that father figure. And the military was that for me, getting my life back together and giving me discipline.”
United States Army veteran, Jesse Haltom may have felt like he had something to prove by joining the military. But as he reflects back on his service nearly 15 years later, his time in the military served a greater purpose in his life. Becoming a Soldier was Jesse’s gateway to discovering what comes natural to him, helping and serving others. This is Jesse’s story as an American Soldier and his journey home. Read More “A Soldier’s Journey Home – Jesse Haltom’s Story – Homes for Heroes”
Just as every year, the school year is approaching way too fast! As we struggle to hold on to the last days of summer and spending time outside with the family, it is easy to lose track of all the things that need to be accomplished in order to get ready to go back to school. That is why we collected the most helpful tips to get your kiddos ready to go back to school on a budget! Read More “Back to School on a Budget – Homes for Heroes”
“I will not leave any stone unturned. I will do everything and anything to make a class perfect. I will help them prepare, I will help them learn and once I have done my job, I have to step back and let them go. Once you learn to let go, there is some peace that comes with that.”
One simple act of kindness can propel a child into a career destined to helping others. Teaching is Ida Pablo’s way of paying forward the impact her uncle had on her as a child. This is Ida Pablo’s story and her commitment to making this world a better place, one student at a time. Read More “A Teacher’s Journey Home – Ida Pablo”
