On September 11, 2001, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller laid down his life to save others when America was attacked. For 25 years, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has honored Stephen’s legacy by supporting the heroes who continue to risk life and limb in the line of duty.
To date, Tunnel to Towers has delivered over 1,700 mortgage-free homes to our nation’s heroes and committed over $1 billion across all of our programs.
This year, the Foundation is delivering 343 mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, as well as Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders who leave behind young children.
The organization is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001.
These 343 homes will be provided through the Foundation’s Fallen First Responder Home Program for the families of those who died in the line of duty, the Smart Home Program for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, and the Gold Star Family Home Program for the families of fallen military heroes. Each home represents a life lost, a family honored, and a promise kept.
In 2026, T2T has paid the mortgage and made life-changing smart home renovations to a number of homes. Here are three of those stories.
To join in Tunnel to Towers' mission to deliver mortgage-free homes to our nation’s heroes by going to T2T.org and donating $11 per month.
U.S. Army Veteran Douglas Franklin in California
In a private ceremony, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation welcomed U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Douglas Franklin and his wife, back into their newly renovated home.
The Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program provides specially-adapted, mortgage-free smart homes that help our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders to reclaim their day-to-day independence.
SFC Franklin grew up in Anaheim, California, and enlisted in the Army in 1980, inspired by his father’s service as a Marine. He would go on to serve his country for nearly three decades.
“I loved going overseas in Civil Affairs. I always felt that I was truly making a difference, helping build a girl’s school in Yemen, or assisting in the drilling for water,” said SFC Franklin.
On July 23, 2007, while deployed in Iraq, Franklin was injured by two mortars that detonated just 15 feet away. The attack left him with a severe traumatic brain injury, tunnel vision, and he is considered legally blind.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation renovated his Valrico home to make it more accessible and paid SFC Franklin’s mortgage in full.
“It has meant the world to my family and me. Now we do not feel so strapped for money all the time…it is a good feeling. So, from a grateful heart, I want to say thank you for all of your support. We all feel so blessed.”
Smart Home Renovations Include:
- Remodeling the Master Bathroom to make it accessible
- Pour a new walkway from the driveway to the front door, and raise the porch to the new front door
- Remove all carpets in the home and replace them with flooring
- Upgraded the electrical system and HVAC in his garage for therapy equipment
- Smart home technology installed in the master bedroom and main living area enables the lights, thermostat, and security system to be controlled remotely via an app.
- A whole-house generator for emergencies
U.S. Marine Veteran Joanna Jones in Kentucky
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is honored to announce it has paid, in full, the mortgage on the Kentucky home of injured U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Joanna Jones and completed critical renovations to improve her safety, independence, and quality of life.
“This home allows me the freedom to medically retire without the burden of a mortgage, while managing ongoing medical treatments and a lifetime of recovery,” said LCpl Jones.“Tunnel to Towers has truly improved my quality of life, and I am beyond thankful for such an incredible blessing.”
Inspired by family tradition and the events of Sept. 11, 2001, LCpl Jones enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003 at the age of 17 through the Delayed Entry Program. She later deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Phantom Fury, the Second Battle of Fallujah.
During her deployment, LCpl Jones sustained multiple traumatic brain injuries from mortar attacks and other explosions while serving as a field radio operator. The pivotal incident occurred when a mortar strike landed near her unit as she was providing communications for a convoy traveling to and from Al Taqaddum (TQ) Air Base.
Despite beginning treatment after the blast, LCpl Jones continued to serve on full duty until the cumulative effects of her injuries and toxic exposures made continued service impossible.
She was honorably discharged and now receives outpatient care through the Department of Veterans Affairs for residual effects of multiple TBIs, complex PTSD, spinal stenosis, and toxin exposure.
At Jones' home, Tunnel to Towers:
- Installed a handrail on the rear porch
- Added smart home technology in the master bedroom and main living area, allowing remote control of lighting, thermostat, and security systems
- Installed blackout roller blinds and dimmer switches to accommodate light sensitivity
- Installed a whole-house generator for emergency power
- Constructed a tornado shelter
“Tunnel to Towers has given me the ability to move freely throughout my home during chronic flare-ups,” Jones said. “I am no longer confined to one room while managing migraines and nerve pain. These changes have given me a sense of safety and security I never had before.”
Jones expressed heartfelt gratitude to the donors and supporters who made her mortgage-free smart home possible, saying, “Thank you for the love and caring about the sacrifices endured due to invisible injuries like TBI and toxins that not everyone understands.
"Donors are a blessing, and may God continue to bless them as well. I’m truly thankful with my whole heart.”
U.S. Army Veteran Terry Knight in Washington
The foundation also provided Army SSgt.Terry Knight and his family with a new mortgage-free, smart home in Coupeville, Washington, providing comfort, safety, and long-term security.
“It’s incredibly hard to put into words how thankful and grateful we are. It still feels surreal,” said SSGT Knight. “Having a mortgage-free smart home means we no longer have to worry about losing our home, no matter what the future holds.”
Knight grew up in Oak Harbor, Washington, in a military family. His father served in the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Knight began his own service in the Navy Reserve before transitioning to active duty in the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer. After briefly leaving the military, he re-enlisted following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
He went on to serve as a combat medic with multiple units, including deployments to Korea and Iraq with the 848th Forward Surgical Team.
His final assignment was with the 91st Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where he trained service members in life-saving medical skills prior to their deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
In July 2014, Knight medically retired from the U.S. Army after being diagnosed with service-connected ALS.
“Staff Sergeant Terry Knight’s life is a testament to the power of positivity and resilience in the face of adversity,” said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
“We are honored to provide him and his family with a home that offers comfort, safety, and independence, and to thank him for his many years of selfless service to our nation.”
Renovations to the Knight home include:
- ADA-accessible flooring and bathrooms
- A redesigned, accessible kitchen
- Ramps and safety railings
- A whole-house generator
- A Hoyer track lift system
- Smart home technology enabling remote control of lighting, climate, audio, and security
“Tunnel to Towers has made tasks that were nearly impossible, like cooking, opening doors, and turning lights on and off, so much easier for me,” SSGT Knight said. “Regaining that independence has also made a huge difference in my mental well-being.”
SSGT Knight expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Tunnel to Towers supporters nationwide. “I am deeply honored that you would share your resources with a complete stranger to make my life and my family’s life so much easier.
"We are incredibly grateful and will never forget what you have done for us.”
To join in Tunnel to Towers' mission to deliver mortgage-free homes to our nation’s heroes by going to T2T.org and donating $11 per month.
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