Key Takeaways
- LERETA Tax Grants ease the financial burden by covering a year of property taxes for veterans in Operation Homefront’s Permanent Homes for Veterans program.
- Veterans like Carlos R. and Zachery J. are gaining stability, financial confidence and a sense of community in their new homes.
- The initiative honors military service while supporting long-term homeownership and stronger families.
The simple act of planting a tree can be transforming, literally embodying the concept of putting down roots for beauty, growth and long-term stability. For Army specialist Carlos R., from Mount Juliet, TN, planting a single tree had great meaning for him and his family as they settled into their home, provided by Operation Homefront as part of its Permanent Homes for Veterans (PHV) program. The program provides mortgage-free homes to veterans who qualify and complete an intensive financial literacy and homeownership program. LERETA has partnered with Operation Homefront to support the program with its LERETA Tax Grants, which offers homeownership assistance to military veterans with one-time grants that pay their annual property taxes.
Veterans who are selected to participate and successfully complete the PHV program receive the deed to their home, mortgage-free. They are then eligible to receive a LERETA Tax Grant to pay one year of property taxes. The initiative is an opportunity for LERETA to give back by supporting homeownership and, at the same time, honor our country’s military veterans.
Carlos, his wife and their three children moved into their home two years ago and successfully completed the program earlier this year. In addition to redecorating the kids’ rooms to their liking—they updated the landscaping and planted a tree. This and seeing his family grow and flourish gives Carlos great pride and joy. “The kids have settled into their new community. One daughter had her first big dance recital in May and did an amazing job,” said Carlos. Another daughter has been opening up more in our community and has made several friends, even having a sleepover. Our third daughter has also taken an interest in dance and will be starting classes soon.”
When asked how the LERETA Tax Grant will help his family, Carlos said: “Receiving this grant will help substantially because there is always the hidden stress of wondering what if we have a situation to where we are struggling to pay our bills or even put food on our table. Knowing that our property taxes are paid until the following year takes away a great deal of stress, especially since this is our first time paying property taxes on our own.”
Army Sergeant Zachery J., a single parent from Fayetteville, NC, is also grateful for the generosity of Operation Homefront and LERETA, which is helping him find stability and put down roots with his young daughter. Since successfully graduating from the PHV program, Zachery has been focused on maintaining the property and ensuring all financial and maintenance responsibilities are up to date. “It’s been a learning process, but, overall, the transition has gone smoothly and I’m committed to caring for my home responsibly,” he said. Zachery said his life has been going well since moving into his home and, with the established stability it provides, he’s been able to focus on achieving important milestones and continuing to remain financially stable.
His daughter is now attending a new school and has started learning Mandarin as a second language. “Thankfully, I’ve been able to manage responsibilities without any major setbacks. It’s been a blessing to maintain financial stability, which has allowed me to focus on continued growth and provide a steady environment for my family. This grant has provided a helpful hand in ensuring we can continue to meet our financial goals without added stress.”
Carlos and Zachery are the latest recipients of the LERETA Tax Grants program. Read about two others, Keisha D. and Jeremy D., in our previous blog here. Giving back to these heroes, who have sacrificed much to ensure America’s freedom, is a privilege for LERETA and we’re honored to be part of Operation Homefront and its inspired mission.
