Each Nov. 11, the country honors and celebrates the veterans who have sacrificed to support our freedom. For many organizations in the home building industry, programs and initiatives to support veterans are a year-round commitment.
Additionally, the industry has served as an outlet for transitioning military members and veterans with rewarding careers as well as the camaraderie and challenge associated with the services.
Built to Honor Program
In the lead up to Veterans Day, PulteGroup dedicated three homes through its Built to Honor program. Launched in 2013, the home builder’s Built to Honor program has built and donated over 90 homes to veterans across the country.
“At PulteGroup, we believe the best way to show our gratitude to those who served our country is by doing what we do best, which is building homes that change lives,” Ryan Marshall, PulteGroup president and CEO, said. “As we approach our 100th Built to Honor home, each dedication represents not just a house, but a new beginning for heroes who have sacrificed so much. These mortgage-free homes provide the foundation for these veterans and their families to build their futures.”
The three upcoming dedication ceremonies will honor Army Specialist Christopher Irving in Northlake, Texas; Army veteran Jacob Schanck in Charlotte, North Carolina; and Sergeant Major William “Shane” Stockard in Blythewood, South Carolina.
“We are so thankful to these veterans for their sacrifices and service to our country, and also grateful to our employees and trade partners for making the dream of homeownership possible,” Charlie Tipton, PulteGroup’s central area president, said.
LP Building Solutions, a building products manufacturer, donated LP SmartSide Trim & Siding for a mortgage-free home built for Army Sergeant Joshua Hargis through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment (R.I.S.E) program.
“We are honored to contribute to Sergeant Hargis’ new home and support him and his family as they move forward on their next journey,” LP executive vice president and general manager of siding Jason Ringblom. “Supporting those who have sacrificed for our country is central to our partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation and to LP’s broader commitment to veterans.”
Operation Surprise
Home Depot’s Operation Surprise campaign is part of the organization’s commitment to invest $750 million in veteran causes by 2030. The campaign is focused on making veteran housing safer, more accessible, and affordable.
To honor Veterans Day 2024, the Home Depot Foundation is investing $10 million to help veterans age in their current residences and avoid homelessness.
“As veterans age, small accessibility modifications can mean the difference between remaining in their own homes versus being displaced,” Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation, said. “With this new $10 million investment, The Home Depot Foundation is proud to further our support of our nonprofit partners improving veteran housing across the country, helping veterans safely maintain their independence for years to come.”
The funding will facilitate the creation of affordable housing with over 230 new or refurbished rental units made available for veterans. Additionally, the funding will support home repairs for more than 125 low-income veteran families, provide rental and/or mortgage assistance for over 270 veterans, and build seven smart homes for veterans through the Gary Sinise Foundation.
Recruiting Veterans
The Home Builders Institute (HBI) hosted its second annual Bring a Vet to work event ahead of Veterans Day. All 10 of the institute’s DOD SkillBridge program sites invited veterans in and built shadow box coin holders resembling the American flag. HBI offers its skilled trade pre-apprenticeships and career development services at no charge for transitioning military veterans, and their families.
In a post on LinkedIn, Taylor Morrison CEO and chairman Sheryl Palmer shared the home builder will begin offering Military Differential Pay in 2025. The benefit will pay the difference when active members of the Guard or Reserve are called to active duty, so they can maintain their income while serving.
84 Lumber, a building materials dealer with a strong history of supporting, honoring, and hiring military veterans, highlighted the stories of three veteran associates—Craig Caldwell, Jobe Horned, and Zachary Nisson—in local newspapers. The dealer also donated U.S. flags to each Fisher House facility—which provide free lodging to the families of veterans receiving medical care—and donated $10,000 to Operation H.O.M.E.—an organization that reunited military members with their families during the holidays.
“As a company that believes in supporting, honoring, and hiring our military veterans, 84 Lumber is honored to give back in ways that are meaningful and supportive,” 84 Lumber owner and CEO Maggie Hardy said. “These initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to giving back to those who have or are serving to defend our freedom and our nation.”
