When you see or hear the name Pulte, you probably envision a tract of spacious, modern suburban homes in bucolic master planned communities. While this is accurate – PulteGroup’s Homes division is the third largest homebuilder in the country, according to Builder Magazine’s latest Top 100 list, and has sold 800,000 homes since the company’s 1950’s founding – it is not the sole reason for its distinction as a leading builder. What you likely don’t know is that 95 of its homes completed in the last 11 years have been adapted for and given free to injured veterans and their families. It’s an extraordinarily generous way to say, “Thank you for your service.”
Background
The company’s Built to Honor program began in 2013. Its three latest dedications are happening this week in the Dallas area, Charlotte and Coastal Carolina region. Its 100th home will be built and donated next year. These adaptive homes are built in Pulte’s existing communities, so one of these hero families may be your new next door neighbors!
The builder’s veteran service organization partner is the San Antonio-based Operation Homefront. Founded in 2002, the nonprofit provides family support and relief to military families. Susan Ziesman, the VSO’s spokesperson, observes that “Many military families are struggling to realize their dream of having their own home and being a part of a stable community. The physical, psychological, and financial challenges veterans and their families face as they transition to their civilian communities can be overwhelming.”
Selecting Heroes
Built to Honor is open to any honorably-discharged veteran who doesn’t currently own a home or have a mortgage. “Beyond those initial criteria, we look for families who have strong connection to or desire to remain in the community where the home is located,” Ziesman explains. That could be where they grew up, went to school, have family nearby or just have a strong desire to live in that area.
“Community connection is very important and increases their chances of success,” the VSO executive notes. “We also look at financial sustainability. During the program, they are required to pay a monthly escrow fee, which covers the cost of taxes, HOA, warranty, and closing costs.”
To help them succeed in maintaining the home after the donation, the nonprofit provides a case manager and certified financial planner. “After successful completion of the program – the veteran receives the deed to their home … mortgage-free,” Ziesman says.
Constructing for Veteran’s Present and Future Needs
As anyone who has ever had to modify a home to make it usable for someone with mobility challenges knows, each user’s needs can be unique and not necessarily “textbook.” With veterans, their needs can be amplified by that individual’s hidden injuries, as well as the physical.
Ethan Kuster, Pulte’s construction manager, points this out: “We focus on both the physical and invisible needs of each as we work with our Built to Honor recipients in the design and construction process.” This can include adaptability to future needs as the veteran’s physical condition may shift over time.
Designing for Veterans’ Physical Needs
“Designs should consider how these veterans feel about their injuries and help them regain independence and confidence,” shares Emily Scandy, Pulte’s interior design team manager. It’s also important to ensure that whatever is designed to be accessible and safe enhances not only the veterans’ quality of life, but the lives of their families as well.
“Our goal is to ensure that the design creates a welcoming space for people with disabilities while infusing current design trends with the family’s overall design aesthetic,” Scandy comments. That can mean widening doorways and adding ramps while maintaining the floorplan’s appeal, she shares. “Ultimately, it’s all about crafting a home that’s easy to navigate, all while looking fantastic!”
Designing for Veterans’ Psychological Needs
Beyond safety, accessibility and style, there are also psychological considerations. “The mental and emotional challenges faced by our veterans are diverse and deeply personal, manifesting in various ways such as migraines, flashbacks, sleep disturbances, and social withdrawal, among others,” Scandy says.
While encouraging vets to seek support, the Pulte team incorporates design features to support their journey. “For example, rooms can be equipped with blackout shades and drapes to foster a sense of tranquility and solitude. Additionally, we include comforting elements like weighted blankets, overstuffed chairs, and soft lighting, to provide a supportive environment for veterans as they navigate their emotional challenges.”
“We may discuss preferences like color schemes and trim details that can benefit veterans with PTSD,” Kuster adds. “It’s about creating a space that’s both physically and mentally comfortable for the veteran.”
Project Scope
While Built to Honor is approaching its 100th donated home milestone, Operation Homefront began its Permanent Homes for Veterans (PHV) program – of which Pulte is a valued partner – in 2012 and has worked with additional builders across the country. Since then, the nonprofit reports that 680 veterans have received deeds to their homes through PHV. “The program works to ensure that veterans are able to build stable, fulfilling lives after their service to their country,” Ziesman declares.
The four star Charity Navigator nonprofit is not alone in this effort. Other veteran service organizations – including Homes for Our Troops, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Operation Finally Home, the Gary Sinise Foundation (and potentially others) are also working in a similar vein to honor the sacrifices of our veterans. Not only do each of these nonprofits honor the nation’s debt to our injured service members, but they also give their partners’ team members the chance to express their own appreciation.
Last Words
“Being a combat veteran myself, I remember being in Iraq and thinking about what I could do to give back to this community that gave me so much,” Kuster says. “To be a part of delivering a mortgage-free home to these families, knowing what they’ve gone through and endured, is beyond humbling. Without my time in the service, I wouldn’t be the man or father I am today.”
Scandy adds, “As homebuilders, we take pride in crafting homes for all, but the privilege of building for those who have bravely served our country makes our work even more meaningful. It’s a heartfelt commitment to honor their sacrifice and provide a nurturing environment for them and their loved ones.”
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Note: All sources were interviewed by email in November 2024.
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