For many families, becoming a first-time homeowner is a goal they hope to achieve one day. But for some, the cost involved in moving and purchasing a home, can be a lot, especially for men and women who serve our country every day. But that is changing thanks to the Homes for Heroes organization in Lake Havasu City that works to assist service men and women with discounts and provides rebates to purchase a house.

Lonnie Stevenson has been with the organization as a mortgage originator since 2013, but has been in real estate for several years prior to his work with Homes for Heroes. Stevenson says the program is very beneficial to those who work in the field of service.“I think this a neat organization to be involved with and a great opportunity to give back to our community,” he said.

The Homes for Heroes organization began after the tragic events of September 11 as a “thank you” to the men and women who serve their communities and country. The program started in Minnesota and quickly spread to other states and is now recognized nationally. Homes for Heroes is not just limited to active military personnel or vets, it also includes police officers, medical professionals, teachers and firefighters as well. The program offers discounts and rebates for heroes that are selling or purchasing a home.

photo submitted by Homes for Hereos

“It’s a simple process, there are no strings attached,” said Chad Nelson Realtor with Kelly Williams Realty involved in the Homes for Heroes program. “We are here to help our vets and local heroes get the best discount on a new home.”
Nelson said those wishing to apply may log on to the national website and fill out an application. Applicants are then matched with a Homes for Heroes affiliate in their area.

“Vets who have participated in the program often come up to us and say it’s programs like this that really make them feel better after coming home,” said Nelson. “They get pretty emotional about it.”
To date, the Homes for Heroes Organization has saved and given $43,000 back to local’s pockets. Stevenson said this is one of the most rewarding parts of the program.

“When you can have an impact on someone’s life, and get them into a new house at a discount price and you see the appreciation in their eyes, it just makes this job very fulfilling.” Shane and Cindy Bolinger, of Lake Havasu City, benefitted from the program in October when they purchased their new house, thanks to Homes for Heroes. The couple found themselves with an extra $990 dollars they received from the program and decided to donate the extra money to their favorite charity.
“Big Brothers and Big Sisters was an organization I chose to donate the money we saved because they help children, and the kids in Lake Havasu could use the extra help,” Bolinger said.

Chad Nelson says one of the program’s goals for 2015 is not only to help several more heroes from all professions but to also reach out to more Vietnam veterans.
For more information, visit www.homesforheroes.com or contact Lonnie Stevenson at 928-716-6723 or Chad Nelson at 928-486-9946.

Veterans ride the Homes for Heroes float.