Last Updated on December 16, 2024 by Luke Feldbrugge
The Homes for Heroes Foundation awarded Cape Cod Veterans with its third annual $10,000 Community Impact Award. The grant check presentation was conducted live during a community meeting by Homes for Heroes Foundation Director, Jay Flynn, and Homes for Heroes Real Estate Specialist, Brien Hines.
You can watch the full check presentation event or read the summary below.
Cape Cod Veterans Check Presentation by Jay Flynn
Jay Flynn, Director of the Homes for Heroes Foundation, delivered an inspiring message before unveiling the award to the Cape Cod Veterans organization and supporting members in attendance.
Speaking to the audience, he highlighted the Homes for Heroes mission to support five key hero groups: fire and EMS, law enforcement, military, healthcare workers, and teachers.
As part of their ongoing efforts, the Homes for Heroes Foundation seeks out nonprofits nationwide that support these hero groups, coordinating with local Homes for Heroes specialists to provide support.
“I get to see the good in communities across the nation each month,” Jay noted. “And what you do through Cape Cod Veterans shows it truly takes a village to make things happen.”
The event celebrated the third annual Community Impact Award, given to nonprofits making a remarkable difference in their community.
“Cape Cod Veterans made the top three of nominees nationwide,” Jay mentioned. “After vetting nominees and a final vote — which many of you likely contributed to — Cape Cod Veterans came out on top!”
In recognition of their exceptional service, Cape Cod Veterans was presented with a $10,000 grant to continue their impactful work.
“Congratulations to Cape Cod Veterans,” Jay announced, “for all the great work you are doing.”
Helping Cape Cod Veterans
The Cape Cod Veterans Organization, led by President Richard Riehl, is a dedicated group of volunteers providing critical assistance to veterans in need.
During the Homes for Heroes Foundation Community Impact Award check presentation event, Richard expressed deep gratitude to supporters and collaborators.
“I’m just one vote,” he said humbly, “but it’s the incredible teamwork and community effort that make our work possible.”
The organization’s efforts range from replacing roofs to furnishing homes and even helping veterans get transportation to urgent destinations.
One powerful example shared was a local veteran whose home was destroyed by flooding. Richard described how they assessed the situation and rallied businesses to donate materials and services.
“We got Cape Cod Flooring to do the floors at a discount, and affordable mattresses—zero cost when I walked out. That’s how we operate,” he explained.
In another instance, the group funded a water main installation for a struggling veteran and covered urgent bus tickets for a family in need.
These rapid-response efforts are possible because of their unique system.
“We do electronic voting,” the founder said. “These veterans can’t wait a month for a meeting—they need help immediately.”
Perhaps most inspiring is the organization’s commitment to using every dollar wisely.
“No member is allowed compensation,” he stated. “We paid for our own flights and meals when visiting Walter Reed with $10,000 in gift cards for wounded service members. It’s all in our bylaws.”
With their finances fully transparent and books open to public review, the Cape Cod Veterans Organization sets a powerful example of community-driven action.
And that’s a big reason why local Homes for Heroes real estate specialist, Brien Hines, assists the organization and nominated them to receive the 2024 Community Impact Award.
Why Cape Cod Veterans Received Community Impact Award
Homes for Heroes real estate specialist, Brien Hines shared his journey of giving back to the community through veteran and first responder support programs, as well as his work in real estate. And he explains why he took the initiative to nominate Cape Cod Veterans to receive the 2024 Community Impact Award grant from the Homes for Heroes Foundation.
After 20 years in Washington, D.C., developing trainers for the Navy’s submarine service, he returned to the Cape and began seeking ways to contribute his time and skills. One of his first connections was with Steve from Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen, a local charity that supports veterans, first responders, and other community causes.
“On his son’s last birthday, they gave out $36,000 to different charities across the Cape,” he said, praising the organization’s wide-reaching impact.
Soon after, he joined the Cape Cod Veterans organization, where he witnessed its commitment to helping those in need.
“The very first week I was part of this group, they delivered firewood to a veteran on a fixed income who had run out and that’s how he heated his home. Within 24 hours they had firewood in his backyard. Little things like that are so impactful,” he said.
“It takes a community to make this all work. Veterans and first responders are so willing to help if you just ask,” he said.
In addition to his volunteer work, the veteran spoke about his career in real estate and his partnership with Homes for Heroes, where he also gives back to heroes every time they work with him to buy or sell a home.
Through his volunteer efforts and real estate services with Homes for Heroes, this Cape Cod veteran demonstrates how someone can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
This was the third annual Community Impact Award grant from the Homes for Heroes Foundation. It is given to an outstanding nonprofit who provides important support to heroes in need, meets a set of criteria and receives the most supporting votes.
If you wish to support the Cape Cod Veterans organization by making a donation or volunteer your time be sure to visit their website.
Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving
This was the third annual Community Impact Award grant from the Homes for Heroes Foundation, given to an outstanding nonprofit who meets a set of criteria and receives the most supporting votes.
Grants from the Homes for Heroes Foundation are made possible by the Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving and its network of real estate and mortgage professionals. Homes for Heroes, Inc. is committed to providing savings to community heroes; such as firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, military (active duty, reserves and veterans), healthcare professionals and teachers.
To expand its Circle of Giving, Homes for Heroes, Inc., donates a portion of its earnings to the Homes for Heroes Foundation. So, every time a hero buys or sells a home using the Homes for Heroes program, they are helping other heroes across the country who are facing a housing crisis or are in need of urgent financial assistance.
If you are interested in learning more about how Homes for Heroes can guide you through the home buying, selling or refinancing process AND save you an average of $3,000 after closing on a home, simply sign up to be connected with our local specialists. They will follow up with you to answer all of your questions.
If you’re interested in learning about our wider impact, simply visit the Homes for Heroes Foundation for more information about recent grants to hero organizations, how much it has awarded, and how it all works.
If you’re interested in supporting and donating to the Homes for Heroes Foundation to assist heroes in need, please visit the donation page to submit your contribution via PayPal. And, thank you for your interest and support.
