Frank Siller, CEO of the Tunnels to Towers (T2T) Foundation, highlighted the organization's significant impact on aiding over 17,000 homeless veterans during his recent appearance on "Fox & Friends."
The foundation has been instrumental in constructing nearly 2,000 mortgage-free homes for military families and first responders, including specialized smart homes designed for those with critical injuries.
As reported by Fox News, Siller, accompanied by an audience of New York first responders, shared with the "Fox & Friends" co-hosts that the most cherished feature of these smart homes, according to injured veterans and first responders, is the bathroom. "It's the bathrooms because they can go in there and not have to ask somebody to help," Siller explained.
"Could you imagine? These are the most independent people in the world. You guys don't want to ask anybody for any help. And so we give them back that independence ... and dignity."
Siller acknowledged the daunting nature of addressing homelessness among veterans, describing it as an "enormous undertaking." He admitted that the foundation initially hesitated to embark on this mission due to the extensive resources required, such as housing, job placement, and additional services beyond mere shelter provision.
"I really feel like our foundation wouldn't be who we say we are if we weren't going to do that," Siller stated. "And I know God put us on a path, and we just have to follow it. So, I suggest we're gonna do it. We're gonna do it."
The foundation's efforts have been remarkable, with Siller noting that by the end of the year, 17,500 homeless veterans will have been taken off the streets over the past two and a half years. "Think about that number," he urged. "A lot of them are families. A lot of them have children."
Despite this progress, Siller revealed that approximately 500 individuals remain on a waiting list for new homes, and he pledged to construct over 100 smart homes by 2026.
Reflecting on personal loss, Siller mentioned his brother, a firefighter who perished on 9/11. "My brother was a firefighter. He was one of 343 firefighters that died [on 9/11]."
In honor of those sacrifices, Siller announced plans to deliver 343 mortgage-free homes next year, nearly one each day, as a tribute to the dedication and sacrifices made by first responders.
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