REAL Exclusive Magazine

Neal Communities Helps Veterans Feel Right At Home.
 
Neal Communities in association with the non-profit American Ideals Foundation and Cityscapes International Realty is helping veterans find homes in southwest Florida. Cityscapes and the Foundation have created the Homes for Heroes program that provides assistance for veterans wanting to purchase homes. For every veteran that Cityscapes assists in purchasing a Neal Communities home, the home builder will donate one percent of the purchase price to the Foundation.

American Ideals Foundation works with VA hospitals, clinics and recruiting centers to provide resources and other assistance that will help veterans find homes and navigate the VA mortgage process. Alan Forrester at Cityscapes has primary responsibility for the program working with the many clients that are referred through the Foundation.

“We are so grateful for our veterans and the sacrifices they and their families make for us. Contributing to the Foundation is just one small way that we can show our appreciation,” says Pat Neal, president of Neal Communities. “Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable home—especially our American heroes.”

Forrester is a member of the Military Officers Association of Sarasota and the Military Officers Association of America giving him indirect contact with 370,000 Veteran officers throughout the US. Through his association with Cityscapes, he will help them find homes in Southwest Florida. “Florida continues to attract veterans from throughout the nation. In fact, more than 200,000 Veterans live in and around Sarasota/Manatee. Florida has the second largest per capita veteran population in the nation,” says Forrester.
 
Veterans Information
Government grants addressing disabled Veterans’ assistance needs for adapting new home construction are available from the Foundation.  Their personnel can assist the veterans applying for these grants.  Of the 1.7 million troops that have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since the beginning of the conflicts: 799,800 have been discharged and eligible for VA care; and 299,600 have gone to the VA for care.
 
The HOMES FOR HEROES ACT OF 2007 — (House of Representatives – July 09, 2008) provided legislation that improves one important aspect for our veterans, especially those who suffer from long-term physical and mental disabilities: That is access to affordable housing. A Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs would ensure Veterans receive proper access to HUD’s housing assistance programs.  The Foundation is very aware of these features and is prepared to assist in their access.

The American Ideals Foundation was founded by Composer/Pianist Robert Moffa. It is based in Riverview, FL. For more information, visit www.aifoundation.webs.com.