A Guide To The Many Meanings Of Homes For Heroes

Maybe you’ve heard of Homes for Heroes, and you’ve just looked it up to learn more about it. Maybe you’d like to donate to its cause, or volunteer. Or maybe you’d like to buy a home through them.

In this article, we’ll look beyond the many results a quick Google search will reveal to help you find exactly what you’re looking for regarding Homes for Heroes.

What Is Homes For Heroes?

The short answer is “so many things.” When researching information about Homes For Heroes, you’ll notice all of the companies/organizations that are mentioned below have important missions to support veterans, healthcare professionals and other heroes in a housing capacity. Let’s dive into the top search results for Homes For Heroes.

Homes For Heroes, Inc.

Homes for Heroes, Inc. describes itself as a for-profit cause-related company (see below). On the for-profit side, it’s a nationwide network of real estate and mortgage lenders and service providers that offers discounts and rebates to its broad definition of “heroes,” including, but not limited to, current and former:

• Firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, law enforcement and all other first responders

• Active military, reserves and veterans of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard

• Nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals

• Pre-K, elementary, secondary and post-secondary educators, teachers, professors and education administrative staff

However, if you’re not sure if your current or former career qualifies, you’re encouraged to contact Homes for Heroes for more qualifying options.

Homes For Heroes Foundation

Homes for Heroes, Inc. established its charitable arm – the Homes for Heroes Foundation – and continues to pay all of its expenses. The Homes for Heroes Foundation helps heroes who find themselves in a housing crisis, or those who are in need of emergency financial assistance.

Building Homes For Heroes®

Building Homes For Heroes® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the wars that followed. Its mission is to build or modify homes, then gift them to injured veterans. It’s currently gifting one new home to an injured veteran every 11 days.

Homes For Animal Heroes

Homes for Animal Heroes helps rehome retired research dogs, and educates the public on the contributions that animal heroes make to improve the health and treatment outcomes of humans and other animals alike. This network relies on sponsorships and donations to carry out its efforts.

Are There Government Programs For Heroes?

Homes for Heroes, Inc. and their programs are not the only ones out there. The U.S. government also has programs in place that can help military veterans, first responders, educators and healthcare professionals buy homes.

VA Loans

If you’re a military veteran, you may qualify for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mortgage or refinance loan. VA loans are made through private lenders like Rocket Mortgage^Ⓡ, but they’re backed by the U.S. government, and are therefore less risky – and more affordable – than non-government-backed loans.

Good Neighbor Next Door

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency responsible for meeting the nation’s housing needs.

One program designed to revitalize neighborhoods is HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door program, which offers a whopping 50% off on any HUD home for law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who agree to occupy the home for 3 years.

First-Time Home Buyer Programs

Though not specifically geared toward heroes, there are plenty of first-time home buyer programs that can help you get started on your path to homeownership. Some of these take the form of down payment assistance, while others may offer credits for closing costs and favorable mortgage rates.

Government And Local Assistance Programs For Heroes

Many state and local governments have similarly named programs aimed at helping military veterans, first responders, educators and medical personnel gain access to housing they can afford. A simple Google search including your state, city and/or county should help you find one available to you.

Before applying for any government assistance, you should know whether your lender accepts it. While Rocket Mortgage accepts both grants and second lien down payment assistance, we don't allow programs that require us to be an approved lender. Additionally, we don't accept assistance where our mortgage would be the second lien. If you have any questions, be sure to speak with one of our Home Loan Experts.

Beware Of VA Home Loan Scams

It’s no secret that there are many con artists out there who are looking to take advantage of those in crisis under the guise of patriotism and charity. Be wary of VA loans that seem too good to be true, check consumer protection sites in your state and protect yourself from any mortgage scams.

The Bottom Line: Homes For Heroes Programs Can Offer Many Different Things

If Homes for Heroes sounds good to you, just know that there are many programs out there doing truly heroic work for those who deserve it, and others that cloak themselves in the heroic work of others for dubious purposes. You should exercise caution when reviewing these organizations.

Learn more about buying your first home.