Today I’m honored to speak with Bruce Buckley (CEO) and David Ramirez (Home and Credit Financial Education Program Manager) from Soldier On, a private nonprofit organization committed to ending veteran homelessness. Since 1994, the organization has been providing homeless veterans with transitional housing and supportive services. In 2010, Soldier On opened the first Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community, a permanent housing cooperative that provides formerly homeless veterans with safe, sustainable, affordable housing – transitioning them from homelessness to homeownership. This housing model has now been replicated seven times, and currently comprises 300 apartments (and growing) in the Massachusetts and New Jersey region. 

Bruce and David talk with me about some inspirational success stories of veterans who started with nothing, on the streets, unsheltered and unaware of the many benefits and programs available to help them.  From financial counseling to help them establish and build credit, to VA loans that can enable them to become homeowners, Soldier On continues to change the end of the story for homeless veterans throughout the country.

Lending Forward is a weekly podcast hosted by Taylor Ellard and powered by Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group.  We bring you raw stories from real people in the mortgage industry. We're covering what's next in lending, forward-thinking, and reflecting on lessons learned from Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more! How are you lending it forward?

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Discussion Points:

Resources/Links:

Soldier On Website

David Ramirez LinkedIn

Taylor Ellard LinkedIn

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group