A guide to the many meanings of ‘homes for heroes’

Your service to your community deserves recognition and tangible support when you’re ready to achieve homeownership. If you've heard about "Homes for Heroes" programs, you've likely encountered multiple organizations with similar names but different missions, each offering benefits for firefighters, teachers, healthcare workers, veterans, and first responders.

If you’re figuring out how to buy a house, this guide will clarify which programs serve your needs and how to access their benefits. Whether you're looking for home-buying discounts, emergency housing assistance, or mortgage support, here’s what to expect from each organization.

What is ‘Homes for Heroes’?

"Homes for Heroes" is a term used by several different organizations that help essential workers with their housing needs. These programs recognize that firefighters, teachers, healthcare workers, veterans, and first responders often struggle to afford homes despite their important work in their local communities.

The organizations that use this name have different approaches, but they all aim to make homeownership more accessible for heroes. Some offer cash rebates and discounts when you buy or refinance a home, others provide emergency assistance during housing crises, and a few even gift fully renovated homes to injured veterans.

The financial support available can make a real difference in your ability to buy, sell, or refinance a home, giving you the stability that your service to others has earned.

Who qualifies for Homes for Heroes?

Most Homes for Heroes programs serve four main groups of professionals who dedicate their careers to serving others:

• Military: Active-duty service members, reservists, and veterans from all branches of the armed forces.
• First responders: Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and other law enforcement personnel.
• Health care professionals: Nurses, doctors, mental health workers, and other medical staff.
• Educators: K-12 teachers, administrators, and education support staff.

Some discount programs work directly with participating lenders and real estate agents through a national partnership network. Others operate independently.

Each program sets its eligibility requirements, so you'll need to verify your qualification with individual organizations. Most require proof of your professional status, such as current employment verification, professional licenses, military service records, or enrollment documentation.

If you're interested in exploring options for your profession, you can learn more about home loan programs for teachers or veteran housing assistance.

National Homes for Heroes programs

The organizations below operate on a national scale, but don't overlook local programs in your area. Many states, counties, and cities offer additional housing assistance for heroes, and you can often combine benefits from multiple programs to maximize your savings.

Exploring both national and local options gives you the best chance to find financing solutions that work for your situation and location.

Homes for Heroes, Inc.

Homes for Heroes, Inc. has built the largest nationwide network of real estate and mortgage professionals dedicated to serving heroes. Since 2009, the organization has helped over 65,000 heroes save more than $127 million on their real estate transactions.

Homes for Heroes, Inc., describes itself as a for-profit cause-related company. On the for-profit side, it’s a nationwide network of real estate and mortgage lenders and service providers that offers discounts and rebates to heroes.

If you’re not sure if your current or former career qualifies, you’re encouraged to contact Homes for Heroes for more qualifying options. Consider asking these helpful questions for a mortgage lender when you get in touch.

Homes for Heroes Foundation

Homes for Heroes, Inc., established its charitable arm – the Homes for Heroes Foundation – and continues to pay all of its expenses. The Homes for Heroes Foundation helps heroes who find themselves in a housing crisis or those who are in need of emergency financial assistance.

Since 2009, the Homes for Heroes Foundation has awarded more than $1.7 million in grants to organizations that support heroes and their families. In 2024 alone, the Foundation distributed $180,000 to 21 nonprofit organizations across the nation, focusing on three main areas: health and family support (47% of grants), housing crisis assistance (36%), and disaster relief (17%).

Every time a hero buys or sells a home through the Homes for Heroes program, a portion of the transaction contributes to this charitable work, creating a sustainable model where heroes help other heroes.

Building Homes for Heroes

Building Homes for Heroes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the wars that followed. Its mission is to build or modify homes, then gift them to injured veterans. It’s currently gifting one new home to an injured veteran every 11 days.

The organization supports veterans through three key areas: the main Home Program, Emergency Funding Program and Family Support, and Physical, Mental, and Financial Wellness initiatives. Currently, the organization is working toward its goal of reaching 500 completed homes by the end of 2026.

VA loans

If you’re a military veteran, you may qualify for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mortgage or refinance loan. VA loans are made through private lenders like Rocket Mortgage^?, but they’re backed by the U.S. government, and are therefore less risky – and more affordable – than non-government-backed loans.

Good Neighbor Next Door

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency responsible for meeting the nation’s housing needs.

One program designed to revitalize neighborhoods is HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door program, which offers a whopping 50% off on any HUD home for law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who agree to occupy the home for 3 years.

First-time Home Buyer Programs

Though not specifically geared toward heroes, there are plenty of first-time home buyer programs that can help you get started on your path to homeownership. Some of these take the form of down payment assistance, while others may offer credits for closing costs and favorable mortgage rates.

Government And Local Assistance Programs For Heroes

Many state and local governments have similarly named programs aimed at helping military veterans, first responders, educators and medical personnel gain access to housing they can afford. A simple Google search including your state, city and/or county should help you find one available to you.

Before applying for any government assistance, you should know whether your lender accepts it. While Rocket Mortgage accepts both grants and second lien down payment assistance, we don't allow programs that require us to be an approved lender. Additionally, we don't accept assistance where our mortgage would be the second lien. If you have any questions, be sure to speak with one of our Home Loan Experts.

Beware of home loan scams

Unfortunately, scammers often target heroes, knowing that veterans, teachers, firefighters, and other service professionals may be unfamiliar with the home-buying process or eager to take advantage of potential savings. These mortgage scams can cost you thousands of dollars and damage your credit.

Be cautious of anyone who contacts you unsolicited about "special" loan programs, asks for upfront fees before providing services, or pressures you to sign documents. Legitimate lenders and programs will never guarantee approval without reviewing your financial situation, and they won't ask you to pay fees before closing on your loan.

If you're a veteran considering refinancing options, learn about common VA refinance loan scam warnings to protect yourself.

The bottom line: Homes for Heroes programs can offer help

Your service to your community has earned you access to programs that can make homeownership more affordable and achievable. However, it’s important to do your research on what programs match your situation and needs. Don't limit yourself to just one option because many of these programs can work together for better savings.

If you’re a veteran, starting with a VA loan can be one of the best tools available to you. Apply for a VA loan with Rocket Mortgage to explore your options and see how much you could save on your path to homeownership.