Cooking a meal, picking something up from the floor, or simply moving from room to room are everyday tasks people rarely think twice about. But for many severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, these simple routines can become daily obstacles when their homes are not designed for life after service.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on our ongoing responsibility to those who have served. There are many nonprofits serving Veterans that meet that responsibility in different ways. Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) addresses Veterans’ housing needs by building specially adapted custom homes that restore independence and improve the quality of life for injured Veterans.
anchor
What Is Homes For Our Troops?
Established in 2004, HFOT is a nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Many of these Veterans have sustained life-altering injuries, including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, blindness, severe burns and/or severe traumatic brain injury.
What they often faced next was an unexpected challenge: living in homes that were never designed to support their needs. Something as simple as entering a doorway, reaching a countertop, or using a bathroom can become physically exhausting or even unsafe.
HFOT addresses this by designing homes around Veterans’ specific accessibility needs, allowing them to live more safely and independently. Each of HFOT’s specially adapted custom homes is equipped with over 40 major special adaptations and exceeds ADA standards, providing full accessibility for the Veteran.
Over the past two decades:
- Since HFOT’s inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent has gone directly to Veteran program services
- More than 430 specially adapted custom homes have been built and donated nationwide
By providing specially adapted custom homes tailored to each recipient, HFOT helps restore freedom and independence to the Veterans who sacrificed so much for our country.
anchor
Our Partnership with Homes For Our Troops
Supporting Veterans and strengthening communities are key parts of our broader commitment to giving back. Through corporate giving initiatives and community partnerships, Populus Financial Group, Inc has proudly supported HFOT through its Porte® brand since 2019.
About once a year, Populus employees volunteer with HFOT to help bring these homes to life. For many, the experience is deeply meaningful and reflective.
“This is hard labor,” Public Affairs Manager Lauren W. said. “You’re sweating, covered in dirt, dealing with bugs and heat. But at the end of the day, you feel proud knowing you helped someone who served our country.”
During one build event, volunteers worked together to lay sod across an entire property from the front yard to the backyard.
“We were all exhausted when we finished but filled with pride and joy knowing we were helping someone who served our country,” Product Manager Jason S. said. “It was our way of showing appreciation for him.”
One of the most powerful moments came when they met the future homeowner and his family.
“Army Specialist Beddow had lost one of his legs while serving, and he was out there laying sod with us,” Lauren recalls. “That changes your mindset quickly. You realize you have no excuses.”
anchor
Restoring Independence Through Adapted Housing
Many injuries require features like wider entryways, lowered countertops, roll-in showers, and more. HFOT’s mission is to provide accessible homes that allow Veterans to focus fully on their families, recovery, and rebuilding their lives.
“It’s something you don’t even think about unless you have to,” Marketing Manager Madison V. said. “It’s a privilege not to worry about whether you can get through your own front door.”
Beyond the physical benefits, adapted housing plays a critical role in mental and emotional recovery.
“There’s a huge mental toll. You’re coming back from a life-or-death environment into a world that feels completely different,” Madison said. “Not being able to move freely in your own home adds another layer of frustration. Having a space where life can feel somewhat normal again is incredibly important.”
A 2025 HFOT survey of Veteran home recipients and spouses/caregivers highlights the lasting impact of HFOT. After receiving a specially adapted custom home:
- 93% reported a reduction in household stress
- 92% regained some or much of their independence
- 81% pursued or obtained a degree or trade certification
- Employment increased by 110% for Veterans and 295% for spouses/caregivers
- 82% give back by volunteering in their communities
These outcomes demonstrate that accessible housing does more than remove physical barriers. It creates opportunities for long-term stability, personal growth, and community engagement.
You can find more details in the HFOT annual impact report.
anchor
Porte’s Giving Program
Porte is proud that Homes For Our Troops is one of the charities featured in our charitable giving program.1
Through this program, we donate an amount equal to 0.05% of each purchase that you make with your Porte debit card to the charity that you have selected in the Porte mobile app.1 You can spend with confidence knowing that your money goes the extra mile.
anchor
How You Can Support the Mission
Want to help HFOT continue serving severely injured post-9/11 Veterans? Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Porte Members – Select Homes For Our Troops within the Porte mobile app. When you use your Porte debit card to make purchases, we donate to the charity at no additional cost to you.1
- Attend a Build Event – Join a local community welcoming a Veteran into their new home.
- Run with Team HFOT – Check the event schedule for an opportunity near you.
“When you show up with the right attitude and willingness to serve, it really is worthwhile and rewarding,” Jason said. “We are all meant to serve others and help each other.”
Every action, big or small, helps ensure Veterans and their families receive the support they need. Through our partnership with HFOT, we are committed to supporting its initiative to promote independence and stability for those who have sacrificed so much.
This blog is not intended to provide any tax, legal, financial planning, insurance, accounting, investment, or any other kind of professional advice or services. To make sure that any information or suggestions in this blog fit your particular circumstances, you should consult with an appropriate tax or legal professional before taking action based on any suggestions or information that we provide.