Tunnels to Towers Foundation in 2026: Building Homes for Heroes

343 Mortgage-Free Homes in 2026 — The 25th Anniversary Goal

In late 2025, Tunnels to Towers CEO Frank Siller announced that the foundation had provided homes to more than 17,500 homeless veterans — a staggering milestone in the fight to end veteran homelessness. But the work isn't done. The foundation maintains a waiting list of approximately 500 veterans in need of housing assistance, and the 2026 goals are ambitious: deliver 343 mortgage-free homes throughout the year as part of the foundation's 25th anniversary celebration, continue building Veterans Villages, dedicate smart homes, and expand services for the heroes who served our country.

For me, this mission is personal. As a U.S. Army veteran, I understand what it means to serve — and I believe every veteran deserves the stability and security of a home. That's one of the reasons I support Tunnels to Towers and integrate a service-before-self philosophy into everything I do in real estate.

New Veterans Villages Breaking Ground in 2026

The foundation's Veterans Village model is proving to be one of the most effective approaches to combating veteran homelessness. These communities provide not just housing, but comprehensive support services — mental health resources, legal advocacy, transportation, and employment assistance — designed to help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity.

Here's where Tunnels to Towers has launched new Veterans Village projects in 2026:

Mortgage-Free Homes Dedicated in 2026

One of the most moving things Tunnels to Towers does is provide mortgage-free homes to families and veterans who have sacrificed for our country. In 2026, the foundation has been delivering on that promise at an accelerated pace:

• April 3 — Gold Star Spouses Day: The foundation provided 30 mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families across the country, honoring the spouses and children of fallen service members.
• April 15 — Franklin, Tennessee: Three mortgage-free, specially-adapted smart homes were dedicated for injured veterans: Army Sergeant Kevin Gatson, USMC Corporal Travis Dodson, and USMC Lance Corporal Eli Tice.
• May 21 — Memorial Day: 25 mortgage-free homes were delivered across 13 states to honor the sacrifice of fallen heroes and provide stability to their families.
• June 20 — Florence, Oregon: A community fundraiser at the Florence Event Center raised over $10,000 honoring veterans, first responders, and homeless veterans — proof that the T2T mission resonates in communities of every size.
• Early July — Independence Day: The foundation delivered 30 mortgage-free homes to families of fallen first responders for Independence Day — honoring the men and women who gave everything in service to their communities.
• July 15 — Chetek, Wisconsin: A home dedication ceremony for U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Dennis Hendrickson — the foundation continuing its mission one family at a time.

These aren't just houses — they're smart homes adapted to each veteran's unique needs, with technology and accessibility features that allow injured veterans to live independently. The foundation has now dedicated more than 343 mortgage-free smart homes since its inception, with a goal of delivering 343 more in 2026 alone.

Steel Across America: A Coast-to-Coast Tribute

The foundation's most ambitious 2026 initiative is Steel Across America — a coast-to-coast tour carrying an authentic 20-foot, 16,900-pound steel beam from the World Trade Center across more than 10,500 miles, making over 35 stops in 21 states and Washington, D.C. The tour launched on May 2, 2026, near Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan and will run through September 11, 2026, commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

The beam has already made stops in communities across the country, including Oklahoma City (June 12) and the West Los Angeles Veterans Campus (June 28) — right here in Southern California. At each stop, communities gather to pay tribute, learn about 9/11, and honor the first responders and service members who gave everything.

The West LA Veterans Campus event was particularly meaningful — a place where veterans receive housing, services, and support, and where the Tunnels to Towers mission comes full circle. For me, as a veteran and longtime T2T supporter, seeing that beam in Southern California was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

Alongside the tour, the foundation's "Never Forget" programs continue to expand in 2026, including an educational curriculum for classrooms, a 9/11 Speakers Bureau, and the 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit, which is touring the country to ensure future generations understand the events of September 11, 2001.

Why This Mission Matters

Here's a reality that's hard to hear: despite the sacrifices they've made, too many veterans in America struggle to find stable housing. The transition from military to civilian life can be overwhelming — dealing with injuries, PTSD, employment challenges, and the complexity of navigating benefits. The Tunnels to Towers Foundation steps into that gap with a simple, powerful message: we haven't forgotten you.

What I admire most about Tunnels to Towers is that they don't just hand over keys. The Veterans Village model provides a complete support system — housing, services, community, and a path forward. That holistic approach is what makes the difference between temporary shelter and lasting stability.

How I Support This Mission

My commitment to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation is part of my broader Service Before Self philosophy. Every transaction, every client relationship, every community involvement opportunity is guided by the belief that we have a responsibility to serve others — especially those who have served us.

If you'd like to learn more about Tunnels to Towers or get involved in supporting veteran housing, I encourage you to visit T2T.org. And if you or someone you know is a veteran looking for real estate guidance in Southern California, I'm here to help — because service doesn't stop at discharge.