In honor of Mother’s Day, we wanted to send a big thank you to all of the moms out there. While some may be considered heroes in their professional career, all of you are heroes daily in our book. You are your child or children’s hero.
So without further ado, check out our gallery of handmade Mother’s Day gifts from kids. Some of them are pretty good. Enjoy!
The month of April was a great month for the Homes for Heroes® Foundation and those it serves. After all of the numbers were submitted and added, the foundation was able to provide over $14,690.50 in assistance to those in need.
Check out the list below to see who the foundation was able to assist!
To find out how you can help those who serve our country and their communities, be sure to visit the Homes for Heroes Foundation today.
Homes for Heroes, Inc. recognizes and congratulates these affiliates as the top performers in the country. Combined, they have served hundreds of heroes nationwide and were a large part of Homes for Heroes giving back over $5.1 million to our heroes (firefighters, law enforcement, military members (active, reserve and veterans), healthcare workers and teachers.
“These affiliates exemplify what it truly means to be a member of Homes for Heroes. It requires more than just helping heroes with real estate needs; it means getting involved in your local community and helping heroes with whatever they need,” says Ruth Johnson, Homes for Heroes CEO. “We’re proud to have each of these individuals as part of our growing team of nearly 2,000 real estate agents and lenders saying to their local heroes, ‘Thank you for the services you provide every day.’”
THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD
The Outstanding Service Award is awarded to exemplary Homes for Heroes affiliates who consistently go above and beyond in reaching and serving the heroes of their communities.
2015 Outstanding Service Award Winners
Vicki Olson, Real Estate Agent
Caleb Shaw, Real Estate Agent
Michael Stover, Real Estate Agent
Jennifer Ott, Lender
John Engel and Joanne Fischer Hilliard, Lenders
TOP AFFILIATE AWARDS
These affiliates positively impacted the most heroes lives in 2015 by providing them with extraordinary service and savings when they bought, sold or refinanced a home.
Top 5 Real Estate Agents
#1 Brandon Johnson & Heidi Voigt, MN
#2 Lance Kenmore (The Kenmore Team), WA
#3 Rowena Patton, NC
#4 Lisa Scales, GA
#5 Chris Brickman, TX
TOTAL HEROES SERVED: 410
Top 5 Lenders
#1 Dave Lehner, MI
#2 Travis Newton, OR
#3 Jamie Harrington, NC
#4 Jennifer Ott, TX
#5 Kyra Sommerville Moore, IA
TOTAL HEROES SERVED: 488
Top Affiliate Honorable Mention
Thank you all for your committed service to our countries heroes, and congratulations on your achievements!
For more information on how to become a Homes for Heroes affiliate real estate agent or lender, please click here to learn more about our program.
If you’re a hero looking to work with one of our outstanding affiliates to buy, sell or refinance a home AND receive significant savings, please visit HomesForHeroes.com and complete the two-step sign up process and our affiliate real estate specialist in your area will contact you.
Aside from the significant savings, when you buy or sell a home with Homes for Heroes, a donation is made to the Homes for Heroes Foundation. This non-profit, charitable foundation provides and coordinates financial assistance or housing resources to heroes who face difficult challenges.
If you would like to make a donation, please visit HomesForFeroesFoundation.org, or if you are hero who wants to apply for assistance, please apply here.
In January 2016, the foundation provided over $12,862.87 in assistance to:
Paul Lassin, Jesup GA – Veteran
Total received: $600 lot rent
Latyoya Sample, Hinesville GA – Disabled Veteran
Total received: $1,762 late rent
Linda Cabezal, West Salem WI – Disabled Veteran with Children
Total received: $1,800 deposit and 1st month rent
Kianudra Brown, Hinesville GA – Disabled Veteran with Children
Total received: $695 assisted with deposit for HUD VASH
Edgardo Vazqueez-Robles, Rincon GA – Disabled Veteran
Total received: $1,410.87 Out of work for 2 months due to injury, assisted with February house payment
Rev. Larry Norris, Hampton GA – Disabled Veteran
Total received: $1,000 assisted with late rent
Jason Parish, Ludowici GA – Disabled Veteran with Family (Wife has breast cancer)
Total received: $1,345 towards late rent to avoid eviction
Sharnese Israel, Hartsville SC – Disabled veteran with family, homeless
Total received: $2,000 to assist with deposit
Disabled Veteran with 5 children, Hinesville GA – HUD VASH program
Total received: $1,250 assisted with deposit, water and electric
John Cruz, Queen Creek AZ – Disabled Veteran with wife and 2 children; unexpectedly adopted two neighborhood children whose parents were killed. Needed a larger rental.
Total received: $1,000 assisted with portion of the deposit
Thank you for using the Homes for Heroes® program to buy or sell a home. Because of that choice, your fellow heroes above were supported during challenging times. Thank you.
And, thank you to those who donate to the Homes for Heroes Foundation to further assist our struggling heroes.
Please take a moment to donate today.
We love dogs. Their companionship, loyalty and goofy antics bring us smiles.
The photo featured for this post was submitted by one of our military heroes, Chrissy (former U.S. Marine), and it shows her along with her dog, Cactus. She also shared how Homes for Heroes was able to help her with a home in the past, so upon receipt of her photo, I asked if she would be willing to answer a few questions from a fellow dog-lover about her relationship with Cactus. Lucky for me, she agreed. So, in honor of National Love Your Pet Day on Saturday, February 20th, we offer a glimpse into the loving companionship between Chrissy and Cactus.
Q: Tell me about how you met Cactus, and please elaborate on the early years.
A: I met Cactus at a farm in upstate NY when he was less than two months old. Cactus was the size of a kitten and cute as a button. Our relationship was meant to be and reinforced early on, as Siberian Huskies are born to run, pull sleds, and escape. About once a year, Cactus would sneak out a garage door, climb over and out a door on a second story deck, or find an opportunity to squeeze through a cracked door … then he would take off running! The scene was always the same; a big fluffy white tail bouncing through a field somewhere in the continental U.S. with a slightly concerned, yet proud owner chasing him for miles. Anyone that has ever lived with Cactus, has also chased Cactus and felt that gut wrenching dread, when you realize – Cactus has escaped! Every bit of our life was “Cactus-Proofed” to prevent future escape and evasion, but he would always find a way to go for a run. On my deployments, I would send my dad gym clothes – not for going to the gym; but for chasing Cactus!
Q: What was it like for you and Cactus when you returned from being deployed?
A: I always enjoyed returning home from a field exercise or deployment to reunite with Cactus. He would be so excited to re-unite with me that he would jump up to my shoulders and give me kisses; then roll over and ask for lots of belly rubs!
Q: The photo you sent us is pretty powerful. For me, I can sense your release of emotion, even though we cannot see your face because its buried in Cactus’ fur. If you would, briefly describe how you were feeling leading up to the big Cactus hug in the photo.
A: After returning from my final deployment, I was succumbed with an overwhelming feeling of being back in America. About 70 Marines filled a parking lot; looking for loved ones. Cactus saw me and began jumping with excitement. Before I could even make it to my human family; Cactus bombarded me with hugs and kisses. I put my head on his and gave him lots of hugs and kisses in return; we were both so excited to have each other in our lives. Knowing it was my last deployment made this an extra special moment.
Q: What made Cactus a trooper, a warrior companion?
A: Cactus deployed too … to New Jersey. My dad took excellent care of him; feeding him hamburgers every night; but none the less I always considered his time with my dad his “deployment.”
Q: If you were to explain Cactus in one word to those of us who didn’t know him, what would it be and why?
A: That’s easy – Buddy – Cactus was my buddy. And, he was a buddy to everyone he met bringing joy and love to all he crossed paths with.
Chrissy, I want to thank you for taking the time to touch on the life you shared with Cactus; what he brought to your life and many others, and for allowing us to share it with our heroes and affiliates. It was a true honor. I like to believe Cactus had a wild spirit due to his tendency to escape and explore, but he knew where home was (whichever home that was), and how much you and others meant to him. I’m confident I would have enjoyed time with him as well.
I also want to thank you from all of us at Homes for Heroes for your committed service to our country with the U.S. Marine Corps, and for giving us the opportunity to say thank you directly to you by allowing us to provide you with savings on your home.
We wish you the best, Chrissy. Don’t be a stranger. 🙂
Minneapolis, MN – Gary Smiley, Rescue Paramedic with Battalion 31, was at the base of the North Tower when it collapsed on September 11, 2001. And today, he has nearly lost everything, including his home and health. Sixteen years following 9/11, he has yet to receive just compensation for personal losses and damages suffered. Gary has had 7 sinus surgeries and suffers from Reactive Airway Disease, GERD, loss of balance and equilibrium due to a lesion in his left ear, Sinusitis, Rhinitis, chronic sinus infections, WTC Diabetic Syndrome (Syndrome X), and PTSD.
He has filed a lawsuit in Federal court alleging he has been discriminated against under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He alleges that the city improperly denied him injured-on-duty status while he was recovering from reconstructive sinus surgery related to injuries suffered in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks.
Gary joined the NYC Fire Department in 1986. He worked as a Rescue Paramedic in Special Operations and was awarded 27 medals for acts of bravery including medals for the 1993 WTC bombing, the Medal of Honor for the Sept. 11th attacks and the Tracy Allen Lee Medal (the second highest in the FDNY) for rescue of civilians above the floor of fire without a charged hose line.
Due to his illness and chronic breathing problems he cannot work, and has used up his retirement funds. Wanting to be close to his doctors, adult children and grandchild; he began the search for a home he could afford that would accept his service dog and accommodate several other criteria due to his illnesses.
After months of searching, he found the perfect place close to his family in New Jersey. The Minneapolis-based Homes for Heroes Foundation assisted him with funds needed for a security deposit and first month rent, and coordinating with Mohawk Moving and Storage in Blaine, Minnesota whom provided the 100-mile professional pack-and-move from Albrightsville, PA to Franklin Park, NJ on Monday December 28th.
Gary commented, “It is not easy to afford a lot of the things many take for granted when you’re an ill 9/11 First Responder from the NYC. I truly appreciate everything the Homes for Heroes Foundation did; from assisting me in renting my Franklin Park condo, to setting up and arranging the moving company. The movers were truly fantastic people and took every step to make sure everything was packed safely and efficiently.”
Ruth Johnson, Executive Director and founder of the Homes for Heroes Foundation added, “Funds from the Homes for Heroes Foundation can go much further, and help many more folks when other generous people and businesses chip in and help.”
Homes for Heroes, Inc.
Service Deserves Its Rewards®. Homes for Heroes is the largest nationwide network of affiliate real estate specialists and community businesses committed to providing easy ways for firefighters, law enforcement, military members, healthcare workers and teachers to save on a home, and on everyday purchases. It is our way to say, “Thank you for the services you provide everyday.” To date, Homes for Heroes has given back over $12.7 million to heroes at their real estate closings. In addition to their savings, every time a hero uses our program for their real estate transaction, a donation is made to the Homes for Heroes Foundation to assist their fellow heroes in need.
Homes for Heroes Foundation
A public charity, non-profit 501(c)(3) established by Homes for Heroes® to provide and / or coordinate financial assistance and housing resources to our nations’ heroes; including firefighters, law enforcement, military members, healthcare workers and teachers. The foundation provides cash assistance and / or negotiates added value in donated local services for desperately needed home repairs. In 2015, the foundation assisted just over 100 heroes.
Homes for Heroes is proud to recognize the accomplishments of our real estate agents and lenders when it comes to helping our nations heroes, but these individuals have taken it to the next level.
These Homes for Heroes affiliate real estate specialists have each helped more than 100 heroes with their real estate needs, and each of them have given back to their local community heroes. The savings received from these real estate specialists made home ownership more attainable for these heroes and their families.
Homes for Heroes is proud to announce that each of these individuals were inducted into the 100 Heroes Served Club for their outstanding achievement.
THE KENMORE TEAM
Real Estate Agent Affiliate Team
Tri-Cities, WA
The Kenmore Team is owned by Lance Kenmore and his team have been in the real estate business since 1999. Lance grew up in a family with veteran grandparents and his mother is an elementary school teacher. Being exposed to what the heroes in his life had done, motivates him and his team to give back to their community heroes.
The Kenmore Team has helped and given back to 110 heroes since joining Homes for Heroes in March, 2014. When asked what the program has meant to him, Kenmore said, “Wow. Our community has given us an amazing business and supported us. In the beginning, we were looking for a way to have a significant impact on the community and we’ve found that with Homes for Heroes. I love being able to give back and serve our community heroes who work so tirelessly for us.”
BRANDON JOHNSON and HEIDI VOIGT
Real Estate Agent Affiliates
Edina Realty, St. Cloud, MN
Brandon and Heidi have over 10 years real estate industry experience and have become one of the top producing teams in the Minnesota Edina Realty brokerage.
Brandon and Heidi have helped and given back to 106 heroes since joining Homes for Heroes in March, 2014. When asked what the program has meant to him, Johnson said, “We are passionate about real estate but we also believe in giving back to the community. The Homes for Heroes program fits both of those principles perfectly for us. The money we’re giving back to our hero clients is money that stays here and is spent here in our community.”
GIANNI CERRETANI
Mortgage Loan Originator
Home Bridge Financial, Atlanta, GA
Gianni was the first Georgia Homes for Heroes affiliate lender and he has been working with Homes for Heroes for over 5 years. He is very passionate about helping his local community heroes. He is an expert in VA loans and he is a certified military loan specialist. During his off time, he works with charitable organizations like the USO, Wounded Warriors and many other Veteran related organizations.
Gianni has helped and given back to 103 heroes since joining Homes for Heroes. When asked what the program has meant to him, Cerretani said, “What really drove the program home for me was when I found myself caught in a funeral procession for a local State Trooper that had been killed. I saw all the fire trucks, police cars and state trooper cars from various states in that procession, and they were there to support that fallen officer and his family. After that, I knew I had to join Homes for Heroes. There is no better feeling than sitting at the closing table and being able to take a picture of your clients holding a big check that shows them just how much you were able to help them save. This has nothing to do with loans or real estate, it’s all about helping these heroes and taking care of the people that take care of us.”
“These affiliates exemplify what it means to be a member of the Homes for Heroes program. It requires more than just helping Heroes with their real estate needs. It means getting involved in the community and helping Heroes with whatever they need. We couldn’t be more proud to have professionals of this caliber as a part of our team and representing the Heroes of their local communities,” says Ruth Johnson, Homes for Heroes CEO.
Congratulations to all of you! Job well done. Keep up the extraordinary work.
INTERESTED IN THE HOMES FOR HEROES PROGRAM?
If you a residential real estate agent or mortgage lender who’s interested in joining Homes for Heroes and providing Hero Rewards® or discounts to local heroes, Sign Up and we will contact you.
If you a community-minded business who’s interested in joining Homes for Heroes and providing Hero Rewards® or discounts to local heroes, Sign Up and we will contact you.
If you a hero interested in buying, selling or refinancing a home, simply complete the two-step Sign Up process and you will be contacted by our affiliate real estate specialist in your area. And, don’t forget to check out which of your local businesses are committed to offering deals to heroes like you through Homes for Heroes.
Aside from the significant savings, when you buy or sell a home with Homes for Heroes, a donation is made to the Homes for Heroes Foundation. This non-profit foundation provides and coordinates financial assistance or housing resources to heroes who face difficult challenges.
The Homes for Heroes Foundation received this thank you recently from Phillip (Irag Combat Veteran) and his wife/caregiver, Jamie who are both featured in the image above.
“We were in a challenging housing situation, stressing out and praying to make it to payday. The Homes for Heroes Foundation saved the day! Thanks to your generous support, we have a warm comfortable home to live in and an opportunity for a fresh start!! You opened your hearts & helped BIG time to keep the family safe, fed, focused, and most importantly provided a HUGE dose of hope. Simply incredible, thank you!!!!
Very Respectfully,
Phillip (Iraq Combat Veteran) & Jamie (wife/caregiver)”
The foundation was honored to assist them.
If you would like to make a donation, please visit HomesForFeroesFoundation.org, or if you are hero who wants to apply for assistance, please apply here.
In October, the foundation provided over $11,000 in assistance to:
Tom Imre, Phoenix AZ – Disabled Veteran
Total received: $1,700 paid past due rent to avoid eviction
Brittany Hyland, Houston TX – Disabled Veteran
Total received: $1,700 to avoid eviction
Michael Uhler, Killeen TX – Disabled Veteran
Total received: $2,000 paid past due rent to avoid eviction
Morris Graham, Sumter SC – Disabled Veteran with five children
Total received: $824 paid deposit and prorated rent due to flood
Deborah Williams, Hinesville GA – Disabled Veteran
Total received: $1,166.10 paid deposit, rent and electric for HUD VASH property
Vernon Dick, La Crosse WI – Disabled Veteran
Total received: $1,000 paid deposit and rent for HUD VASH property
Jacquline and Kenneth Loggins, Hinesville GA – Disabled Veteran
Total received: $1,471 paid rent and deposit for HUD VASH property
David Thornton, Hinesville GA – Disabled Veteran and family
Total received: $1,238 paid late rent to avoid eviction
Thank you for using the Homes for Heroes program to buy or sell a home. Because of that choice, your fellow heroes above were supported during challenging times. Thank you.
And, thank you to those who donate to the Homes for Heroes Foundation to further assist our struggling heroes.
Please take a moment to donate today.
Down Payment Resource™ (DPR) creates opportunity for homebuyers, real estate agents and lenders by uncovering programs that get people into homes. Homes for Heroes® believes by providing this resource to our heroes, as a homebuyer, they will be more informed on what’s available to them.
Down Payment Resource and Homes for Heroes are working together so any ‘hero’ homebuyer will see additional savings and discounts they may be eligible for when buying a home.
“There is so much to know and understand within the homeownership process, and it’s important to provide consumers with the best tools and information to help them get into the home that fits their needs. We believe Down Payment Resource allows heroes to make an informed decision on one of their largest purchases. We are thrilled to partner with Down Payment Resource to help insure our nation’s heroes know their options,” said Abby Waltz, National Director of Homes for Heroes.
“There are many homeownership program opportunities available for our community heroes and veterans. That’s why we include those factors in our program search. We’re excited to work with Homes for Heroes to provide exposure to more resources for this important group of homebuyers,” said Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource.
To learn more about Down Payment Resource visit DownPaymentResource.com for more information.
If you’re a hero looking to buy, sell or refinance a home, please visit HomesForHeroes.com and complete the two-step sign up process and you will be contacted by our affiliate real estate specialist in your area; who is committed to providing you significant savings.
Read the official press release regarding this partnership announcement for more information.
The Homes for Heroes Foundation was able to help 14 Heroes in September by providing $14,136.94 in assistance:
Jasper Barrera (Disabled Veteran)
Paid one month’s rent, totaling $1,190.00
Tyler Sealy (Active Duty Soldier and Family)
Paid one month’s rent and deposit, totaling $1,796.54
John Lindley (Disabled Homeless Veteran)
Paid one month’s rent and deposit, totaling $1,500.00
Shay Gage (Homeless Veteran)
Paid one month’s rent, deposit and electric utility, totaling $1,739.35
Michael Miller (Homeless Veteran)
Paid deposit, totaling $525.00
Myles Johnson (Disabled Homeless Veteran)
Paid deposit on HUD VASH property, totaling $836.00
Jeff Forrest (Homeless Veteran)
Paid deposit on HUD VASH property, totaling $500.00
Tawayanna Mcleod (Homeless Veteran and Family)
Paid electric and water, totaling $517
Glenn Sheppard (Veteran)
Paid past due rent to avoid eviction, totaling $1,117.00
Michael Lipscomb (Homeless Veteran)
Paid rent and deposit, totaling $700.00
Jon Mcleod (Homeless Veteran and Family)
Paid rent and electric bill, totaling $1,595.00
Kelly Daily (Homeless Veteran)
Paid deposit, totaling $800.00
Eric Beaver (Homeless Veteran and Family)
Paid deposit, totaling $800.00
Kenneth Loggins (Disabled Veteran)
Paid October rent, totaling $521.05
We thank you for your service to this great country and within the communities you live.
Remember, every time you use the Homes for Heroes program for your real estate needs, a donation is made to the Homes for Heroes Charitable foundation to help heroes in dire need. If you would like to make a donation to the Homes for Heroes Foundation, please CLICK HERE and we thank you for supporting the service and sacrifices of our American Heroes.
The Homes for Heroes Foundation is a public charity, non-profit 501(c)(3) established by Homes for Heroes to provide and / or coordinate financial assistance and housing resources to our nations’ heroes such as firefighters/EMS, law enforcement, military (active and veterans), healthcare workers and teachers.
