For media inquiries, please contact Mike Lahrman at communications@operationhomefront.org or call (210) 202-1243.
HOUSTON — Today, Operation Homefront welcomed U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Woodard and his family into a newly built rent-free home in Katy, Texas as a part of the organization’s expanding Transitional Homes for Community Reintegration program (THCR). Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive, not simply struggle to get by, in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.
This life-changing program, currently with eight properties in five states, offers veteran families a home to reside in for a period of two to three years while they transition from military to civilian life. Throughout the program, families work with a designated caseworker and financial counselor to set financial, educational, career and personal goals and prepare to become self-sufficient.
Operation Homefront launched THCR in August 2018, thanks to a generous investment from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation and support from The Home Depot Foundation and others.
“We are excited to expand into the Houston market with this impactful program and we are thrilled to welcome the Woodard family to their new home as they become involved in a thriving community like Katy, Texas,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) Bob Thomas, COO of Operation Homefront. “Our veterans and their families often feel overwhelmed as they transition out of the military and our program will help ensure their success.”
This new home gives the Woodards the opportunity to live in a supportive atmosphere while they navigate their transition one step at a time. Joshua, his wife, Ravin, and their two sons are excited to move into the newly built, 1,648 square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath home, built by Meritage Homes. Joshua served in the Coast Guard until 2018 when he was medically retired. Having to leave the military earlier than expected, Joshua faced the stress of an uncertain future, limited finances, and living in a small apartment. “Without (this program), people like Ravin and I would have to figure things out on our own and hope for the best, rather than having Operation Homefront bring hope to us,” he said.
To help them succeed, the Woodard family will work with their caseworker and financial counselor to pay off debt, accumulate savings, improve their credit, learn about the home buying process, and establish roots in the community. “To have professional help with (our finances) is very, very welcome,” Joshua said.
For more information about the Transitional Homes for Community Reintegration program, visit OperationHomefront.org/transitional-homes-for-veterans.
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About Operation Homefront: Founded in 2002, Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 92 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves America’s military families. For more information, visit OperationHomefront.org.