Tunnel to Towers Foundation Expands Veteran Support with Austin Housing Project
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit established in the aftermath of 9/11, is expanding its mission to support veterans, first responders, and their families with a new housing project in Austin, Texas. Gavin Naples, executive vice president of Tunnel to Towers, announced plans to acquire a property at 12833 Route 620 by year-end, with intentions to renovate an existing hotel into permanent housing. The organization was founded to honor Stephen Siller, an off-duty Brooklyn firefighter who died saving others on September 11, 2001. Since its inception, Tunnel to Towers has provided over 2,000 mortgage-free homes to injured veterans, families of fallen first responders, and Gold Star families. Their programs include specially designed smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and mortgage support. The Austin project is part of a larger initiative to develop veterans villages offering permanent housing and 24/7 supportive services, addressing the issue of veteran homelessness.