TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today highlighted the partnership with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Building Homes for Heroes to bring mortgage-free housing to injured veterans. Through a $2 million DEO grant, Building Homes for Heroes is able to build or modify homes in Florida for injured veterans who served in the armed forces during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Governor Scott said, “Florida is becoming the most military-friendly state in the nation and our partnership with Building Homes for Heroes is a fantastic opportunity to thank our veterans. As a Navy veteran, I’m very proud of this partnership and look forward to seeing many more veterans benefitting from this program.”

Building Homes for Heroes is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of wounded American service members and their families. In 2014, the organization gifted a total of 13 mortgage-free homes throughout Florida. In cooperation with DEO, Building Homes for Heroes expects to construct or modify another 20 homes in Florida in 2015. The homes will be modeled to fit the specific needs of the veterans. Most recently, in October 2014, Building Homes for Heroes welcomed US Air Force Master Sergeant Joseph Deslauriers and his family to their new, mortgage-free home in Destin, Florida.

DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “For the last decade, the brave men and women of the Armed Forces have kept Floridians safe. Now it’s time to serve those who have served us. This project will ensure that disabled veterans live in homes that help them lead fulfilling, productive lives. DEO is fortunate to partner with Building Homes for Heroes to thank and support wounded veterans by providing a home that fits their individual needs and their family as a whole. DEO is committed to serving our military population and this is another great effort.”

Florida is home to nearly 1.5 million veterans, the third largest population of veterans in the nation. DEO and CareerSource Florida, along with the state’s 24 regional workforce boards, work diligently throughout the year to assist veterans, spouses of active-duty military members and their families in finding meaningful employment in Florida. So far this year, more than 23,000 veterans assisted by Florida’s 24 regional workforce boards have found employment.

"We're honored to have Governor Scott's support, and very pleased to be partnered with DEO in this endeavor," Building Homes for Heroes president Andy Pujol said. "The state's support enables us to make a meaningful and memorable difference in the lives of our injured servicemen and women. In addition, we’re seeing an extraordinary spirit of patriotism and community support all across Florida.”

Senator Greg Evers said, “Building Homes for Heroes is an amazing organization dedicated to serving those who have served our country. I am pleased that this organization will have the funds to build approximately 20 homes that will meet the needs of Florida’s heroes and their families.”

Senator Rene Garcia said, “With this grant funding through the Department of Economic Opportunity, we can make a difference in the lives of Florida veterans, who have served and sacrificed for our country. We are honored to have Building Homes for Heroes working in our state.”

Senator Don Gaetz said, “Homes for Heroes is an important part of our joint Senate-House initiative to promote Florida as America's most military friendly state.  I'm grateful to my legislative colleagues and Governor Scott for supporting my proposal to fund this project.”

Representative Doug Broxson said, “The Building Homes for Heroes partnership is a way for Floridians to thank veterans for their service to our country. I am honored to be a part of this effort to provide approximately 20 veterans and their families the opportunity to have a home and live the American Dream.”

Representative Matt Gaetz said, “I would like to thank my fellow legislators and Governor Scott for allocating this funding to such a worthy cause as Building Homes for Heroes and helping our veterans succeed and build a life in Florida. This is another effort in Florida in which we are dedicated to serving our military and veteran families.”

Representative Mike Hill said, “It is an honor to be part of an effort to support the brave and selfless men and women of our armed forces. This effort is one of the outstanding programs in our State that assist veterans after their service to our country, helping make Florida one of the most military- and veteran-friendly states in the nation.”

About Building Homes for Heroes

Building Homes for Heroes® is strongly committed to rebuilding lives and supporting the brave men and women who were injured while serving the country during the time of the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan.  The organization builds or modifies homes, and gifts them, mortgage-free, to veterans and their families.  It's our honor to support the men and women who have loyally and courageously served our country. 

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