Permanent Homes for Veterans
Since the program began in 2012, over 730 veterans have entered the Permanent Homes for Veterans (PHV) program. The PHV program provides veterans with the opportunity to receive a donated, mortgage free home after the successful completion of our two-year program.
Permanent Homes for Veterans (PHV) provides veterans and their families with the support they need to thrive in a stable, long‑term home. Through this program, participants work directly with dedicated caseworkers and financial counselors to learn about homeownership and create a plan for long‑term success.
PHV offers mortgage‑free homes to honorably discharged veterans, as well as active members of the National Guard and Reserves. Along with housing, the program connects veterans to a variety of supportive services designed to help them build secure, fulfilling lives after their military service.
By combining stable housing with personalized guidance, Permanent Homes for Veterans empowers those who served our country to move forward with confidence and opportunity.
Permanent Homes for Veterans Program:
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Best for
Honorably discharged veterans or retirees.
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2 years
Mortgage-free housing assistance for veterans.
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One-on-one
Financial counseling to reduce debt and build savings.
almost $107M
deeded in home equity since 2012.
nearly 700
families graduated from the program since 2012.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Honorably discharged veterans, retirees or Reservists and National Guard that are currently serving can apply for a home through the Permanent Homes for Veterans program. All veterans that served honorably are eligible to apply, no matter what era they served (Vietnam, Korea, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, OEF, OIF).
Veterans do not have to be injured or have a deployment to apply. Surviving spouses of service members killed in combat or while deployed in the combat theater of operations and are not remarried or engaged to be married may also apply.
WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR?
The selection committee does consider the applicant’s finances. Though these are mortgage-free homes, the family should expect to cover expenses that are common to home ownership such as paying the property taxes, insurance, warranty, HOA fees (if applicable) and $100 per month toward closing costs. Savings is required. The recipient will need to pay a $500 deposit, moving expenses, utility service costs, etc. The recipient should have community ties to the area where the home is located. For example, is there family nearby? Friends? Stationed there before? From that area? Is there a school or VA with programs for the veteran and/or family? Are there potential job opportunities? Please indicate on your application the reason for wanting to live in that specific area.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?
After the home closes, allow 10-12 weeks for applications to be processed. During that time, applicants may be contacted if documents or additional information is needed to complete the application. Viable applicants will be presented to the selection committee. Once presented, finalists will be interviewed by the committee, then allow one to four weeks for a decision to be made. Only the veteran selected will be contacted.
Once a veteran is matched to a home, they begin the two-year program. During the program, the family will meet with an Operation Homefront caseworker and a financial planner every three months to ensure that they are building up their savings, learning how to budget for home repairs and routine maintenance, integrating into the community and school system, and other important home ownership criteria.
WHERE ARE THE HOMES?
The homes in our program are generously donated, and as a result, Operation Homefront does not control when, where, or how often homes become available. However, we do receive properties in communities across the United States.
To view newly available homes and submit an application, please visit the My Operation Homefront website. By clicking “VIEW HOMES AND APPLY,” you may subscribe to our email distribution list to be automatically notified when homes become available.
Before accepting any donated home into the program, Operation Homefront carefully reviews local crime data and evaluates nearby school districts to ensure the property is located in a safe and supportive community for our veterans and their families.
ARE THE HOMES NEW?
Some of the mortgage‑free homes donated to Operation Homefront come from bank‑owned properties, while others are brand‑new construction. Donors complete essential renovations to address basic safety or functionality concerns before the homes enter our program.
Once placed in a home, recipients are responsible for routine upkeep and minor repairs that may arise during their residency. Our housing caseworkers provide ongoing guidance to help families learn how to manage home maintenance and address common repair issues.
To prepare participants for long‑term homeownership, recipients are expected to take initiative in caring for their property, ensuring it is well maintained and demonstrating their readiness for the responsibilities of owning a home.
HOW TO APPLY?
In order to apply for a home, you will need to create an account or have an existing account with Operation Homefront. Once you click the “VIEW HOMES AND APPLY” button link below you will be taken to My Operation Homefront to create an account or log in. From there you will be able to view current homes and apply from your Dashboard.
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View Homes and Apply
Permanent Homes for Veterans Families
