Meritage Homes, Operation Homefront Gift Mortgage-Free Homes in CO and NC
For generations, the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, along with their families, have borne the responsibility of safeguarding the freedoms enjoyed by millions of Americans. Their commitment often comes with personal sacrifices—long deployments, relocations, missed milestones, and the uncertainty of life after service. Transitioning from active duty to civilian life presents a set of challenges that many veterans face, from securing stable employment to finding affordable, safe housing where their families can grow and thrive.
In recognition of this sacrifice, two families will soon receive a life-changing gift: the opportunity to settle into mortgage-free homes provided through a collaboration between Meritage Homes, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, and Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building strong, stable, and secure military families.
This November, in honor of Veterans Day, Specialist Timothy Hunter and Aviation Apprentice David Green III—along with their families—will receive the keys to their brand-new homes located in Angier, North Carolina, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, respectively. The presentation ceremonies will not only celebrate these two families but also symbolize a broader commitment to supporting veterans as they transition into civilian communities.
A Partnership with Purpose
The initiative is part of Operation Homefront’s Permanent Homes for Veterans program, which equips families with the foundation to move beyond transitional living and embrace long-term stability. The program does far more than provide a house; it offers veterans a structured pathway toward sustainable homeownership. Families move into their homes and work closely with Operation Homefront’s financial counselors and caseworkers for a period of one to two years. During this time, they receive guidance on budgeting, debt management, and long-term financial planning. Once the program is complete, the veterans are awarded the deed to the home—free of mortgage obligations.
This collaboration with Meritage Homes has been ongoing, with employees, suppliers, and trade partners lending their support to make the donations possible. Phillippe Lord, Chief Executive Officer of Meritage Homes, emphasized the significance of the partnership:
“We recognize the sacrifice that military members and their families make to serve our country, and we’re honored to give back to them. We hope these homes will give them the chance to put down roots in communities where they can thrive for years to come. We’re grateful to Operation Homefront for their continued partnership, and to our employees, suppliers, and trade partners who play a critical role in helping make these donations possible.”
Meet the Hunter Family – Angier, North Carolina
Specialist Timothy Hunter, who served in both the Navy and the National Guard, will be moving with his family into a spacious 2,300+ square-foot home in the River Glen community of Angier, NC. The residence features four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, offering ample room for the family to grow and enjoy life under one roof.
The Hunters expressed their excitement and relief at finally having a permanent place to call home:
“It means the world to us to finally be under the same roof, and we can’t wait to have Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthday parties with the whole family in our home. Plus, this home gives us a sense of community and connection with neighbors that we have been missing with apartment living.”
For the Hunter family, this gift represents more than a house—it’s a chance to establish a long-term sense of stability, celebrate milestones together, and integrate into a welcoming neighborhood where their children can flourish.
Meet the Green Family – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Aviation Apprentice David Green III, a Navy veteran, and his family will soon receive the keys to a brand-new 2,000-square-foot home in the Lorson Ranch community of Colorado Springs, CO. Like the Hunters, the Greens will move into a four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath residence designed to support family life with space and comfort.
Reflecting on the challenges they have faced, the Green family shared how transformative this program will be:
“We have been fighting to get caught up as a family, and this program will change our lives. Being part of this program is a great opportunity that will affect us emotionally, mentally, and financially for years to come.”
The gift of a home not only relieves immediate financial burdens but also opens the door to a brighter, more stable future—where the family can focus on building memories, pursuing education and career goals, and engaging with their community.
More Than Just a Home
Operation Homefront’s President and CEO, retired Rear Adm. Alan Reyes, captured the essence of what these homes represent:
“We’re proud to partner with Meritage Homes to provide new homes to these deserving military veterans and their families. It is more than just a roof over their heads; these homes offer the Hunter and the Green families hope for a stronger, more stable future with the opportunity to put down roots and build community, helping them achieve their American Dream.”
Indeed, for many veterans, stability after service can be elusive. Affordable housing markets across the nation are increasingly difficult to access, with rising mortgage rates and home prices putting ownership out of reach for countless families. Programs like this directly confront those barriers, ensuring that those who have served the nation have the opportunity to thrive in civilian life.
The Bigger Picture – Building Stability for Veterans
While the gift of a mortgage-free home is monumental, it is only one part of the broader mission. Operation Homefront’s programs are designed to address the holistic needs of military families:
- Transitional Housing: Providing rent-free apartments to wounded warriors and their families as they recover and adjust to civilian life.
- Critical Financial Assistance: Offering grants to help families cover essential expenses like utilities, rent, and food during times of crisis.
- Recurring Support Programs: Including back-to-school supply drives and holiday meals, which ease the burdens on families during high-cost seasons.
Meritage Homes’ involvement reflects the private sector’s crucial role in supporting these efforts. By leveraging their expertise, resources, and networks, corporations can create ripple effects that extend far beyond individual families—strengthening entire communities in the process.
