Tunnels to Towers – Eradicating Veteran Homelessness
Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a significant national organization that has expanded its mission and scope extensively since its inception. Here’s a deeper dive into its evolution, operations, and recent initiatives:
 Origin and Mission
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was founded in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller, who perished that day. Stephen Siller, after hearing about the attacks, ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers in full firefighter gear to save lives. The foundation was initially focused on supporting the families of fallen firefighters.
Expansion of Programs
1. Smart Home Program:
The Foundation’s first major expansion was into building smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans. This initiative began when Frank Siller, CEO of the Foundation, committed to building a smart home for Brendan Marrocco, the first quadruple amputee to survive combat. The smart homes are specially designed to address the unique needs of severely injured veterans, allowing them greater independence and improving their quality of life.
2. Fallen First Responder Program:
In response to the tragic deaths of two New York City police officers, the Foundation launched a program to support the families of fallen first responders. This program pays off the mortgages of families who lose a loved one in the line of duty, ensuring financial stability during a devastating time.
3. Gold Star Family Home Program:
This program supports families of fallen military members by paying off their mortgages or building them new homes, offering them a stable environment after their loss.
4. Veteran Homelessness Initiative:
The Foundation has recently taken on the ambitious goal of eradicating veteran homelessness. Recognizing that current statistics likely underreport the actual number of homeless veterans, Tunnel to Towers is working to provide stable housing solutions through innovative public-private partnerships. This includes transforming existing structures into veteran housing and building new facilities from the ground up.
Recent Projects and Community Involvement
Atlanta Project:
A notable recent project in Atlanta involved transforming a 93-room hotel into long-term housing for veterans. This project is an example of how the Foundation repurposes existing buildings to provide immediate and impactful solutions for veteran homelessness.
Bradenton, Florida Project:
The Foundation has also broken ground in Bradenton, Florida, for a new facility built from the ground up. This project involved significant collaboration with local government and community leaders, illustrating the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving their goals. Over 500 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony, including representatives from various levels of government and the VA.
Organizational Growth and Strategic Approach
From its humble beginnings, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has grown into a robust organization with over 300 employees. This growth has necessitated the development of specialized departments, including legal, finance, and national programs, to manage the increased scope of their operations. The Foundation works extensively with national partners such as Home Depot, GMC, Fox News, and Ashley Furniture, leveraging these relationships to enhance their impact.
Vision and Commitment
The Foundation’s commitment to eradicating veteran homelessness and supporting the families of fallen first responders and military members is driven by a deep sense of duty and compassion. Frank Siller’s leadership, marked by audacious goals and a relentless pursuit of solutions, has been pivotal in expanding the Foundation’s reach and effectiveness.
Collaboration and Local Engagement
A key aspect of Tunnel to Towers’ approach is its emphasis on collaboration with local organizations and communities. By partnering with local education, business, and veteran support organizations, the Foundation ensures that its projects are integrated into the fabric of the communities they serve. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of their initiatives but also builds a network of support for veterans and first responders at the local level.
Empowering Veterans: A Call to Action
Recently, at the Center Club in Tampa, an impassioned discussion unfolded, shining a spotlight on the pressing challenges veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life. The conversation, led by Lynda Cox, a dedicated advocate with a profound personal connection to the military community, underscored the critical need for comprehensive support systems for our veterans.
Lynda Cox, deeply rooted in military life as both the daughter of a soldier and the mother of a Navy serviceman, articulated her unwavering commitment to ensuring veterans find stability and purpose post-service. “I refuse to see my son leave the Navy without a clear path forward,” she declared, reflecting on her personal journey supporting veterans through various roles in the Department of Defense.
The dialogue centered around the National Case Management Network, a pivotal resource connecting veterans nationwide with essential services. “We assign a case manager who collaborates with our extensive network of over 1000 service providers,” Lynda explained. This network addresses immediate needs such as housing, ensuring veterans have a safe haven while also facilitating access to long-term support like PTSD counseling and childcare.
“What resonates most is the alignment of values,” Lynda emphasized, highlighting the network’s holistic approach to empowering veterans not just with immediate aid but with tools for sustained success. The initiative extends beyond mere handouts to include vital aspects like workforce development and professional growth, crucial for veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
Drawing from her personal experiences, Lynda shared poignant anecdotes about her son’s deployments and the challenges he anticipates upon returning to civilian life. “Translating military experience into civilian careers remains a daunting task,” she noted, echoing a sentiment shared by many veterans.
The discussion did not shy away from addressing the stark realities veterans often confront post-service. “We drop them back into civilian life expecting them to navigate on their own,” Lynda lamented, highlighting the urgent need for robust support systems to bridge this gap effectively.
With a sense of urgency, Lynda issued a rallying call to action. “Visit 2.org and consider becoming an $11-a-month donor,” she urged attendees, outlining practical steps individuals and businesses can take to bolster support for veterans. She underscored the transformative impact of corporate partnerships and philanthropic contributions in enhancing the network’s reach and effectiveness.
Looking ahead, Lynda outlined ambitious plans for a new facility in Bradenton, scheduled to open in early 2026. This facility represents not just physical space but a beacon of hope for veterans in need of comprehensive support and guidance.
As the evening drew to a close, Lynda left attendees with a compelling challenge: “Take action.” Whether through financial contributions, community engagement, or advocacy efforts, each individual possesses the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who’ve bravely served our country.
Reflecting on the evening at the Center Club, it becomes evident that this wasn’t just a gathering of minds but a call to arms for a cause that transcends boundaries—supporting our veterans. It serves as a poignant reminder that collective action, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on the lives of those who’ve sacrificed for our nation’s security.
Conclusion
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation exemplifies how a charitable organization can grow and adapt to meet evolving needs while staying true to its core mission. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and a commitment to leaving no hero behind, the Foundation continues to make a profound impact on the lives of veterans, first responders, and their families across the nation.
