Building on our earlier blog that shared Michael’s Story: Veteran Homelessness in America – Part I, we now turn our focus to another transformative force in the fight against veteran homelessness.

Mighty Hero Homes is not just another veteran service organization—it’s a community-driven movement dedicated to eradicating veteran homelessness and forging sustainable housing solutions for those who’ve served our country. 

At its core, the organization understands that the challenges veterans face are as diverse as the individuals themselves. By partnering with seasoned veteran leaders and community stakeholders, Mighty Hero Homes is charting a new path that not only addresses housing needs but also creates a supportive network of peers, mentors, and advocates. It’s integral to their mission and vision: “Because they deserve better.”

A Mission Rooted in Service

The number of homeless veterans is increasing – rising more than 7% from 2022 to 2023. On an average night in 2023, 20,067 veterans were living in shelters. A staggering 15,507 veterans were living without any shelter at all.

Mighty Hero Homes was born out of a profound need to reconnect veterans with their communities and offer them a safe space to rebuild their lives. The organization’s mission is clear: to empower veterans through innovative housing initiatives that promote dignity, stability, and community reintegration. 

Recognizing that homelessness among veterans is often a symptom of broader systemic issues—such as gaps in mental health services, economic instability, and challenges transitioning from military service—the organization approaches the problem holistically. 

Their efforts are designed to ensure that veterans not only have a roof over their heads but also access to the support and resources necessary for long-term success.

Community-Level Impact

What sets Mighty Hero Homes apart is its commitment to grassroots change. By working directly within communities, the organization builds local networks that foster resilience and mutual support. 

They collaborate with local governments, nonprofits, and veteran groups like Mission Roll Call to identify areas where the need is greatest and to develop targeted interventions. Veterans often find that the strongest support comes from peers who understand the unique challenges of military life. Through community-level initiatives, Mighty Hero Homes is working to create environments where veterans feel seen, heard, and valued.

Partnerships with Seasoned Veteran Leaders

Integral to Mighty Hero Homes’ success is its collaboration with veteran leaders who bring firsthand experience to the table. Their leadership ensures that the organization’s strategies are grounded in real-world experiences. Led by founder Drew Walston, Mighty Hero Homes has added some notable veterans to its Board of Directors, including Les Carroll – Major General, US Army (Ret); Steven W. Smith – Major General, US Army (Ret); JoAnne Bass – Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (RET); and Carl Schaefer – Lt. General, Air Force (RET).

Veteran leaders play a crucial role in mentoring younger service members and guiding them through the often complex process of reintegration into civilian life. Their involvement is a testament to the belief that those who have walked the same path are uniquely equipped to lead the way forward.

Addressing veteran homelessness requires more than temporary fixes—it demands sustainable, innovative solutions. Mighty Hero Homes has taken significant steps toward transforming the housing landscape for veterans. Their approach goes beyond traditional housing assistance programs by incorporating elements such as community development, financial literacy training, and mental health support into their housing projects. 

These housing solutions are designed to be adaptable and scalable, ensuring that they can meet the varying needs of different communities. Whether it’s repurposing existing structures into veteran-friendly living spaces or developing new housing communities from the ground up, Mighty Hero Homes is committed to crafting environments that promote healing, empowerment, and long-term stability.

Tune into The Lasting Mission Podcast

Mission Roll Call recently sat down with Derek Layne of Mighty Hero Homes for the first installment of a two-part podcast series on The Lasting Mission. This conversation dives into the importance of supporting veterans and their families—offering not just shelter, but stability, dignity, and hope. The next episode to be released in the coming week will highlight the impactful song Four Walls, created by music artist Mark Ware, which has become an anthem for the organization and its mission. If you want to hear more about how community engagement, veteran leadership, and innovative housing solutions are addressing veteran homelessness, tune in to The Lasting Mission: Mighty Hero Homes – Part 1.

Looking Ahead

Mighty Hero Homes’ work on the community level—combined with the leadership of seasoned veterans and innovative housing strategies—is creating a ripple effect that could transform lives across the nation. And that’s a mission that MRC will support any day.

In the fight against veteran homelessness, every step counts. With Mighty Hero Homes leading the charge, communities are gaining housing solutions and a renewed sense of solidarity and purpose. To learn more about their mission, upcoming concerts and events, and how you can get involved, visit Mighty Hero Homes. 

Stay tuned as Mission Roll Call continues to follow their journey and spotlight more inspiring stories in our ongoing series on homelessness and veteran empowerment.