Our Story
Our mission is to provide extraordinary savings to heroes who provide extraordinary services to our nation and its communities every day.
Since 2009, Homes for Heroes, Inc., has helped over 71,000 heroes save over $141 million on their real estate transactions, sold over $20 billion in real estate to heroes, actively partnered with over 3,100 like-minded real estate and mortgage professionals who’ve joined in the mission, and donated over $1.7 million to heroes in need through the Homes for Heroes Foundation.
Homes for Heroes, Inc. is the largest nationwide network of affiliate real estate, mortgage, and local business specialists; committed to providing easy ways for heroes to save on a home. Shortly after 9/11, Homes for Heroes, Inc. was established to give back to firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, military (active, reserves & veterans), healthcare professionals and teachers for all they do.
HOMES FOR HEROES CIRCLE OF GIVING
Homes for Heroes provides heroes with more savings than any other national program. When heroes buy or sell a home using Homes for Heroes, they also help other heroes in need because Homes for Heroes, Inc. donates a portion of its earnings to the Homes for Heroes Foundation. This Circle of Giving strengthens American communities by putting more money into the hands of our American heroes, and benefits American community programs, organizations and businesses.
Company History
Event Timeline
2002: Established
Homes for Heroes, Inc. was established in Minneapolis, MN by current CEO Ruth Johnson and family members Kacy Mlenar, Helen Johnson and Mark Micek. They obtained the trademarks and served the first heroes.
2004: Research and Testing
HomesForHeroes.com was launched. The company went through extensive market testing and an outside firm conducted important nationwide research to prove out the business concept.
2005 – 2008: Expansion
Company expanded into a multi-state program and the Friends of Heroes® program was created.
2009: National Brand
Hired its first employees and with over 100 affiliate real estate partners, launched the program nationally. Homes for Heroes, Inc. also created and established the Homes for Heroes Foundation nonprofit 501(c)(3) to further assist heroes in need.
2012: Serving More Heroes
Over $1 million was given back to heroes, and over 500 affiliate real estate specialists were part of the program.
2015: Serving More Heroes
Over $10 million had been given back to heroes. The company received trademark approval for Hero Rewards® and the Friends of Heroes® program evolved to “Local Business Affiliates” under the Homes for Heroes parent brand.
2017: Major Milestone
As of July 2017, over $25 Million has been given back to American heroes on their real estate transactions! Partnered with the IUPA and the TXSFFMA. Donated $3,000 to the Colorado Nurses Association (CNA) and $5,000 to the FOP’s National Police Week Memorial event. The Homes for Heroes Foundation became a private foundation.
2018: Heroes Served with Savings!
Over 25,000 American heroes have been served by over 2,400 Homes for Heroes affiliate real estate and mortgage specialists across the nation, and those heroes saved more than $41 million. The Homes for Heroes Foundation has awarded over $562,000 in grants to heroes in need.
2021: Major Milestones
In October, Homes for Heroes helped LEO, Stefan M. in Tennessee purchase a home and he was hero 50,000! In November, as part of the Circle of Giving, the Homes for Heroes Foundation reached $1 million awarded in hero grants to heroes in need.
2022: 20 Years | Over 50,000 Heroes Served and $100 Million Given Back
Celebrating the company's 20th Anniversary and the amazing milestones achieved in the last year, including 50,000 heroes served, $1 million awarded in hero grants to heroes in need. In 2022, after 20 years, the company reached $100 million given back to heroes as Hero Rewards savings!
