The Good Life – November-December 2016

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track record of high quality workmanship to reduce maintenance and expense to the veterans. The nationwide average cost for HFOT to build one specially adapted home is $430,000. These homes can help veterans launch a new career or business, start and/ or grow families, maintain lifelong physical and mental wellness, complete education, and recover and rest in a safe, accessible home. “Myself and my family are so blessed and lucky.” – Master Sergeant Eric Marts The 18-24 month timeline for these projects involves about six to seven months for construction. The rest of that time is spent on land search and permitting. Veterans do not pay a fee toward the cost of the home, and there is no mortgage to be paid in the future. The veteran decides where he or she would like to live, considering proximity education. Since 2010, more than 90 babies have been born to parents in HFOT homes with more than 15 due as of February of this year. to family and medical centers, school systems, jobs and more. The HFOT land team locates and provides lots to the veteran, who makes the final selection. A veteran must be approved for the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) benefits by the Veterans Administration. Benefits are awarded to veterans with severe physical injuries, including one or more amputations, full or partial paralysis or severe traumatic brain injury. HFOT requires the veteran to participate in a financial planning program with a pro bono financial planner for three years. They also provide the veteran with information on property tax exemptions for which he or she may qualify. Sixty-six percent of HFOT home recipients have at least one child. Seventy-two percent say living mortgage free has allowed them to start or expand a family, and 50 percent say it allows them to save for their children’s 8 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com As of May 27 of this year, HFOT has built 213 specially adapted homes in 41 states nationwide. There are currently more than 70 veterans on the active project list. For the fifth consecutive year, HFOT has been awarded a 4-star rating for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency by Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator. HFOT hosts many fundraisers throughout the year, including silent auctions, conferences, golf tournaments, sporting events, races and much more. HFOT is privately funded. Almost 70 percent of the operational budget is generated by private and family foundations, individual donors and community fundraisers nationwide. As a non-profit, all contributions are tax deductible. To make a donation or for more information, visit www.hfotusa.org. Master Sergeant Eric Marts hosts a radio show for AM 970 WDAY called Heroes of the Heartland. When doing research on issues troops were facing, he saw Homes for
ERIC MARTS Our Troops. He started looking into the organization, and he filled out an application. After going through a background check and other vetting processes, he was approved to be a part of the program, and construction is now underway for his new Moorhead home. “Myself and my family are so blessed and lucky,” he said. Since HFOT chooses a certain number of projects to work on each year, Marts said he feels so blessed to be chosen, saying it felt like winning the lottery. He’s most looking forward to more space and “having something that is our own with no wheels underneath it,” he said, as well as “the independence and the freedom it’ll offer me and the space to have our kids and grandkids to be over.” “I’m so lucky to be involved with Homes for our Troops,” he added. “They really are a great organization with loving, caring people.” • urbantoadmedia.com / THE GOOD LIFE / 9
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The Good Life – November-December 2016

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