Hometown Hero Credit

Hello and thank you for stopping by. It is truly a pleasure to have you here today. We know that when we talk about our veterans, the conversation usually focuses on gratitude and "thank you for your service." But today, we need to talk about something a bit more urgent and deeply personal for many of our brothers and sisters in arms. We are facing a quiet but growing crisis among our older veterans, and it is something that needs our immediate attention.

While overall veteran homelessness has actually seen some improvements over the last decade, there is one specific group that is being left behind: those aged 62 and older. At Operation T.A.G., we believe that a "Tangible Act of Gratitude" means more than just words, it means ensuring that those who served our country have a safe, stable place to call home as they age.

The Numbers That Should Wake Us Up

It is a hard reality to face, but the data is clear. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the number of homeless veterans aged 55 and older shot up by a staggering 150% between 2010 and 2023. This is happening even as the overall number of veterans experiencing homelessness has dropped by about 55% since 2009.

What does this tell us? It tells us that while our current systems are helping younger veterans transition back to civilian life, we are struggling to support those who are entering their golden years. Projections show that the number of older adults experiencing homelessness across the country could double, or even triple, in the next decade. If we don’t act now, we are looking at a future where our heroes are spending their final years without the security of a front door.

Why is This Happening Now?

You might wonder why a veteran who has lived a stable life for decades would suddenly find themselves facing housing insecurity. The answer is often a combination of three factors: fixed incomes, rising inflation, and health challenges.

1. The Income Gap: Many veterans rely on Social Security and VA benefits. When the cost of rent or property taxes jumps up, those fixed checks don’t always keep pace.
2. Medical Costs: As we age, health needs increase. For a veteran on a tight budget, one major medical bill or a need for home modifications can be the tipping point between staying in their home and losing it.
3. The "Silver Tsunami": Our veteran population is simply getting older. The 85+ veteran demographic is expected to grow by 66% in the next ten years. Our infrastructure hasn't quite caught up to the specialized care and housing needs this group requires.

The VA has recognized this and launched the Homeless Aging and Disabled Veterans Initiative. This program is designed to create a better bridge between healthcare and housing, ensuring that if a veteran needs a ramp built or a nurse to visit, they can get those services in a stable home rather than on the street or in a temporary shelter.

Simple Steps to Help an Aging Veteran

If you know an older veteran who is struggling, or if you are one yourself, it is important to know that you are not alone and there are steps you can take today.

1. Reach out to the VA: The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans is available 24/7 at 1-877-4AID-VET.
2. Check for Local Benefits: Many states have specific property tax exemptions or utility assistance programs for senior veterans.
3. Review Housing Options: Whether it’s transitioning to an assisted living facility that accepts VA benefits or finding ways to lower your current monthly housing costs, there are professionals ready to help.

Tools for Stability and Aging in Place

At Operation T.A.G., we are committed to finding real solutions. For many aging veterans, the goal isn't just to find "any" housing, it’s to stay in the home they already love. We want to make sure you have the tools to do just that.

One of the resources available specifically for our veterans aged 62 and older is the Red, White & Secure Reverse Mortgage. This isn't just another financial product; it’s a program managed by our 501(c)(3) non-profit designed to help you tap into the equity you’ve built in your home. By doing this, you can eliminate monthly mortgage payments or receive a lump sum to cover medical bills or home repairs.

As a tangible act of gratitude, this program offers up to $6,000 in savings on the process. It’s one of the tools out there designed specifically to give our older veterans the financial breathing room they deserve so they can age in place with dignity.

Helping the Next Generation of Heroes

While we focus on those who have already served for decades, we also want to make sure the veterans buying homes today are set up for long-term success. This is where our flagship program, the Hometown Hero Credit, comes in.

The Hometown Hero Credit is a non-profit program that provides military families with a 2% credit up to $21,000 to help them purchase or refinance a home. We want to be clear about how this works so you can use it effectively:

• How it can be used: The 2% credit can be applied toward paying closing fees, buying down your interest rate (to lower those monthly payments!), paying real estate agent fees, or even paying down existing debt to help you qualify for a VA loan.
• How it cannot be used: It cannot be used for a down payment or for any non-loan purposes.
• The Math: The 2% credit is calculated based on your loan amount, not the sales price of the home. Since VA loans generally do not require a down payment, this credit is a massive help in keeping your "out-of-pocket" costs as low as possible.

Because we are a fully funded 501(c)(3) non-profit, there are no games, no gimmicks, and no repayment required. We simply want to do more than say "Thank you" when a military family buys a home.

Final Thoughts

The crisis of aging veteran homelessness is real, but it is not inevitable. By spreading awareness and using the tools available to us, like the Red, White & Secure program or the Hometown Hero Credit, we can ensure that the men and women who stood for us always have a place to sit down and rest.

Please consider sharing this article with a veteran in your life or a real estate professional who works with military families. Sometimes, the right information at the right time is all it takes to change a life.

If you have questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you navigate these steps and find the security you've earned.

Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of the Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF

Websites: www.OperationTAG.org and www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Phone: 760-456-8748 (24-hour Information Line)