Homes for Heroes program comes to the metro-east

Homes for Heroes has made its way to the metro-east! Click here to read the article about the ribbon cutting in Belleville, IL!

Homes for Heroes – Illinois

Flattery is the best form of imitation. Until your good name is besmirched. Homes for Heroes in the past has taken people leveraging our brand as flattery. We often ask if they would like to continue to use our good name by joining forces with us, and if they do not want to we are okay with that decision also. But recently something came up that does need to be addressed. We will let the Morris Daily Herald explain it.

Illinois allegation hurts ‘real’ Heroes

Minneapolis, Minn–When Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan took enforcement action against the Minooka, Ill.-based Homes for Heroes Inc., says Brad Oosterhuis, it was not a reflection on the “real” Home for Heroes.

“Our organization has been serving heroes continuously since 2002, and we have a serious concern that the publication of the charge against the Homes for Heroes company in Illinois could seriously tarnish our good name,” said Oosterhuis, executive director of Home for Heroes, in a recent e-mail.

Since the founding of Homes for Heroes, a press release from the Minnesota-based organization notes, many organizations have tried to duplicate the Homes for Heroes model and have illegally used the trademarked name. The widespread recognition of the Homes for Heroes name across the nation has caused many groups to attempt to leverage this successful brand to their advantage.

“While Homes for Heroes encourages all companies to support our heroes, it is illegal for them to use the Homes for Heroes trademarked name,” said Ruth Johnson, president of Homes for Heroes. “It is especially disturbing when these organizations are providing false claims and tarnishing the good name and work that Homes for Heroes is doing.”

In an effort to advance its cause and protect its name, Home for Heroes, which is now in its seventh year of operation, recently created the Homes for Heroes Foundation.

Due to its highly recognized name and brand nationally, the press release notes, Homes for Heroes became inundated with calls that were predominantly from severely wounded military personnel asking for assistance.

“These requests went far beyond the scope of our business model and ability to help,” Johnson said. The shareholders of Homes for Heroes saw a need for a charitable organization that would have a similar vision to its own. After much thought and the desire to help, they formed the Homes for Heroes Foundation.

The foundation will endeavor to provide or coordinate financial assistance to the heroes of our nation, such as military, police officers, firefighters and first responders who are in need.

Meanwhile, with the busy spring housing market well under way, Homes for Heroes affiliates will continue to “give back” by providing significant savings to its local heroes, particularly military personnel, police officers, firefighters, teachers, health care workers and others who serve our country and communities everyday.

If you would like more information about the Homes for Heroes, please call Ruth Johnson at (866) 443-7637 or log onto www.homesforheroes.com or www.homesforheroesfoundation.org.

In her enforcement action against the Minooka-based company using the Homes for Heroes name, Attorney General Lisa Madigan alleged the company and its owner, Patrick Gleason of Minooka, conducted a fraudulent charitable solicitation campaign and engaged in deceptive practices by falsely representing the local Homes for Heroes is “a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.”

Gleason has gone on record calling the IAG’s action “absurd.”

“This is absurd,” he said. We filed for our corporation and status a long time ago. The IRS asked us to put it on good paper, not wallpaper. It was done, it was all signed and sent in again. So, they’re trying to smear our names with improprieties …”

Rick Kincheloe

Homes for Heroes would like to introduce Rick Kincheloe!

“I decided to join Homes for Heroes as soon as I heard about the program. It is a great way to help out and give back to the men and women that do it for all of us on a daily basis. HFH gives me the opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to our first responders, fire fighters, police offices and military personnel for all of their hard work in making our country a better place.”

Abby Noble

Homes for Heroes is pleased to introduce our new affiliate, Abby Noble, along with lender Rick Kincheloe and inspector Pete Barnes.

As a military spouse myself, I understand the strain and sacrifices that our heroes and their families have to endure on a daily basis. So when I found out about the Homes for Heroes program I jumped on board without hesitation. I am constantly impressed by the selflessness and courage our law enforcement, fire fighters, first responders, and military personnel display in their everyday actions. I am honored to be able to say ‘thank you’ for the amount of hard work and determination our heroes put forth to make our community and our nation a better place.

Abby Noble, EXIT REALTY CONSULTANTS, Belleville, IL

Non Profit VS. Private Sector – Giving Or Profit it With a Purpose?

There is a lot of publicity given to non profits and charitable organizations that do great things for our heroes but what seems to be missing is what a private sector company has been doing for more than 7 years to give back!

The following is a brief version of the Homes for Heroes story:

I am the President and CEO of Homes for Heroes®, a family owned, Minnesota grown company. We started this company shortly following the tragic events of 09/11/2001. There was a call to action, by the administration at that time, for the private sector to step up to the plate and support our communities. Since most of my family members were in the business of real estate we decided to create Homes for Heroes. We affiliate with realtors, lenders and other real estate related service providers to provide substantial rebates and discounts to our heroes. We define heroes as military personnel, police officers, firefighters, first responders and others who serve our country and their communities.

We created a complete marketing package and unique process so that our affiliated realtors and lenders can give back to heroes through significant discounts on real estate services.

In 2004 we applied for and received a registered trademark for the name Homes for Heroes and our logo. All of our family savings and years of hard work have gone into this company. We have asked for no venture capital or other investors. We simply have worked hard for years to grow this company to where it is today. We consider our model to be “profit with a purpose.” Not only do we help our affiliates grow their businesses, but we also provide heroes with increased home purchasing power.

Our company has grown and found success. We’ve been contacted by heroes and affiliates in 46 states. Thousands of heroes register on our website each year looking for the savings that our affiliates provide to them, and our program has gained a national reputation.

In recent years, we began to receive many contacts from returning veterans in need of financial assistance. We decided that we had to help these heroes as well. Our family formed the Homes for Heroes foundation through our own personal funds. We are still waiting for our 501(c)(3) determination from the Internal Revenue Service. Once that is in place we will begin fundraising for the foundation whose mission is to provide financial assistance and housing resources for our heroes who demonstrate financial need. I personally donate the office space and equipment for the foundation so currently 100% of what we receive will go back to the heroes in need. As we continue to grow Homes for Heroes we also will earmark a percentage of profit for the foundation. Recently, we received a donation from the residents of a senior housing facility in North Carolina and 100% of that donation went to an injured soldier who was in the hospital. His military pay had been delayed because of some error and he needed money immediately to pay his rent. We paid it!

As you can see, we have dedicated years and all of our financial resources to Homes for Heroes. We feel honored to help stimulate the economy, by providing jobs, helping others grow their business and give back to our heroes, increasing their home buying power!

In closing, I want to say… Please do not ignore the entreprenuers who create jobs and give back to their communities!

Best Regards,

Ruth Johnson

Never Forget – 9/11/2001

Homes for Heroes was founded shortly after the tragic events of 9/11.

Daily, for eight years throughout the country, we have strived to give back to those who give so much,and to honor and ensure a legacy of rememberence, for those who lost their lives that day.

Below is not just a video, but a documentary… Please watch so that WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

HFH on the News in Victoria

Here is a video about Homes For Heroes on the news in Victoria, Texas.

Congratulations!

Congratualtions to our Homes for Heroes Affiliate in Victoria Texas for reaching the $20,000 mark on their way to the goal of $100,000 in money given back to our heroes. We are proud to announce that in just four short months, through Homes for Heroes, they have saved/given back over $20,000 to local Heroes. We are truly humbled by the generosity of all of the “Friends of Heroes” that have selflessly reduced or cut fees for our Heroes. Victoria has over twenty-five businesses that have joined our team to help increase savings for our Heroes. Thanks again to everyone and we look forward to continuing to help our Heroes.

Read the full article here: http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/weblogs/homes-for-heroes/2009/aug/24/homes-for-heroes-update/

Shana Davis

Homes For Heroes would like to introduce Shana Davis of Prudential California Realty!

Born and raised in Southern California, Orange County has been Shana’s home for over 38 years. She attended both public and private schools and is a Graduate from Chapman University. Her career in Real Estate began in 1998. She worked for a Commercial Real Estate Firm prior to becoming a Residential Realtor. The combined experience brings a professional level of service that her clients can depend upon and trust.

Her goal is to give her client’s “Peace of Mind” about the Sale or Purchase of their home. To ensure a trouble free transaction, she remains in constant communication giving her clients the latest information on their transaction. The trust and confidence that is established when you work with her gives you peace of mind about one of the largest investments you and your family can make…your home.

“I pledge to provide my clients with unsurpassed service. My clients will receive prompt, courteous, knowledgeable communication every step of the way.” Shana treats her clients with respect and that is why so many of her clients have become her friends.

The reputation of Prudential California Realty is unsurpassed in name recognition and customer service. Prudential California Realty provides the Best in Professional Real Estate Services. Combine this with Shana’s unique concern for her clients needs and you have a Realtor that will undoubtedly be successful for you, as she has been for countless others.

For Shana, it is a tremendous honor to be a part of Homes For Heroes. This organization has given her the opportunity to give back to those that have given without reservation. Both her Grandfather (Navy) and her Father (Army) served in the Military. Shana says that if her Grandfather were alive today, he would be absolutely thrilled to know that she will be representing Homes For Heroes in Orange County, California. “Now it is my turn to give back and share my skill as a Realtor.”

Shana looks forward to meeting you and discussing how she can help you achieve your real estate goals.

Contact information:

Shana Davis
Residential – Investment – Relocation

Prudential California Realty

www.ocHomeChoice.com

ShanaDavis@ca.rr.com

DRE License # 01244456

949-466-0280 Direct

Ralph Vargas

Homes For Heroes is proud to introduce Ralph Vargas of Classic Realty Group!

I, Like the owners of Home for Heroes and millions of others, was horrified at 911 and the unnnecessary loss of life, especially the firefighters and police officers just trying to do there jobs under one of the worst disasters in our nation’s history. Myself, like so many others, asked “What can I do to help?”. Well, over the years, I feel I made small contributions to the heroes by buying tickets to donations, raffles and of course giving to firemen when they have their booth out at a intersection.

Now, with Homes for Heroes, I can make big contributions. $1,000, $1500, $2,000 or more may not seem like much when buying a home, but after quite a few years in the real estate business, I can tell you it is very important. For example, on a $200,000 home you may put down $5,000 as a down payment, then add in a $300 inspection, a $400 appraisal, plus attorney fees, closing costs and money to spruce up the home. Now you’re looking at $6,000-$8,000 of out-of-pocket expenses. Wouldn’t it be nice to get $1,500-$2,000 back in your pocket? If for no other reason than doing your job and doing it well, Ralph, what do you mean by just doing my job?

Heroes don’t like to be called heroes. So, the program was designed by people that do appreciate the hard work of a fireman, the courage of a police officer, the intensity of the soldier and the patience of a teacher. It’s a program to reward the life you’ve chosen and to continue to defend our freedom of choice. I’m happy to have a chosen a career in the Real Estate industry to guide clients in the biggest financial purchase of there lives and to make sure they do without mistakes and without compromise. So when you’re ready to go out looking at homes for your family, go out armed with a Homes For Heroes Realtor and make the right choice.