Last Updated on September 18, 2024 by Luke Feldbrugge
Firefighter and paramedic Jason Cortez passed away on October 7, 2020 while conducting a training exercise with the San Francisco Fire Department. Jason had spent the last 13 years serving his community. The Homes for Heroes Foundation and Tunnel to Towers wanted to honor his service through his family.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Fallen First Responder Program pays off mortgages for the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty with young children. The Homes for Heroes Foundation grants money to nonprofits that help heroes and their families who have great financial housing needs.
“To us, it’s our duty to make sure that this family has at least one burden taken away,” said Andrew McClure of Tunnel to Towers. “So, we’re taking away pretty much the biggest one you have each month; the mortgage payment on the house.”
With assistance of $50,000 from the Homes for Heroes Foundation, Tunnel to Towers was able to present Patricia Cortez, Jason’s wife, a letter officially declaring her home mortgage paid in full. Patricia was presented with the letter at her home on August 27, 2021 with her, Jason’s two sons, and members of the San Francisco Fire Department.
“The Foundation has lifted this mom up in a time of sadness and grief. When I got the call that we did not need to think about making another mortgage payment for the home that my late husband Jason and I had bought together, it brought me to tears. I now have a piece of mind that this is our forever home, where the boys can grow up and build their childhood memories like we planned for them,” said Patricia Cortez.
The Homes for Heroes Foundation was proud to be a part of this life changing day for the Cortez family.
“It is a privilege for the Homes for Heroes Foundation to partner with Tunnel to Towers to assist in paying off the mortgage of one of our country’s heroes in honor of their service and sacrifice; and also to give back in a way that serves the entire family,” said Ruth Johnson, Homes for Heroes Founder & CEO.
The Homes for Heroes Foundation helping heroes in need is a part of the Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving. The circle is made possible by its network of extraordinary real estate and mortgage specialists. Homes for Heroes donates a portion of its earnings to the Homes for Heroes Foundation.
