SAIC, Building Homes for Heroes and AWS logos
An organization based on the U.S. east coast has committed itself to constructing and delivering nearly one home a week for a veteran in need. And they’re only growing more ambitious. Building Homes for Heroes was founded nearly 20 years ago by entrepreneur Andrew Pujol and has “gifted over 400 mortgage-free homes to wounded vets and their families,” according to Vincent DiFronzo, an executive vice president at SAIC who’s a big supporter of the charity. Last year they built more than 50 residences.
“There’s emotional support, financial training, and in some cases, additional financial help. It’s just a phenomenal organization,” DiFronzo told GovCon Wire in a recent interview.
“One of the things we’re really proud of is how efficient they are with donated funds. BHH has a four-star Charity Navigator rating and a 97 percent efficiency score. There’s just no waste,” the leader of SAIC’s Air Force and combatant commands business group and multiple-time Wash100 winner continued.
Army Navy Country Club Fundraiser
If you’re interested in getting more involved with Building Homes for Heroes’ noble cause, you’re in luck. On Monday May 5, there will be a golf tournament fundraiser—dubbed the National Capital Golf Classic—held to raise money so that the charity can increase its output of veteran homes. The inaugural event will be hosted at Army Navy Country Club and more information can be found here.
There are still openings to participate! DiFronzo encourages folks to sign up through one of the sponsorship tiers, but a straightforward donation is also totally welcome. (It should be noted that DiFronzo’s board position is entirely pro bono, as is Pujol’s role leading the organization—neither receives a dime for their work.)
Why Participate?
In addition to the important cause the event is trying to fund, DiFronzo pointed out the wonderful facilities the ANCC offers, a prime landscape for passionate golfers. The tournament itself will be followed by a luncheon.
“The luncheon afterward is a very patriotic event,” DiFronzo said. “You’ll hear directly from some of the veterans who’ve received homes and about the impact those homes have had — not just financially, but emotionally. It’s helped so many of them get back on their feet.”
“It should be a really enjoyable time, and at the same time, a meaningful and patriotic experience,” DiFronzo continued.
Recent Home Gift by SAIC & BHFH
In 12 years of sponsoring the charity, SAIC has helped deliver 19 homes to wounded veterans and their families. The most recent home was delivered by BHH on April 16 to retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Justin Day, who during a battlefield accident in 2018, suffered a brain injury and was forced to have his leg amputated above the knee. Day is a Purple Heart recipient, among other recognitions, and he and his family now live in a home provided to them by the charity in Crestview, Florida.
SAIC not only contributes financially, its team members are integral players in the setup of the homes — DiFronzo told us he and his fellow SAIC teammates immerse themselves in the constructions as well as “take part in the home gifting ceremony.”