Conroe Vets Move Into New Mortgage-Free Homes

**Conroe Welcomes Veterans to Mortgage-Free Homes in New Village Development**

**Conroe, TX – December 1, 2023** – Conroe’s veteran community reached a significant milestone recently as military families began moving into brand new, mortgage-free homes within the burgeoning Veterans Village development. This exciting development, first reported around early December, marks the culmination of a federal grant program designed to provide specially adapted housing for deserving veterans.

These custom-built residences are funded through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, a vital program that helps severely disabled veterans live independently in homes tailored to their unique needs. The Conroe project was brought to fruition through the collaborative efforts of Houston Responds, a dedicated non-profit organization, and Tilson Homes, who expertly handled the construction.

Initial groundwork for the Veterans Village, situated on a sprawling 17-acre parcel in Conroe, began in Spring 2023, with construction actively underway throughout the year to prepare for the first wave of residents.

Among the first recipients to settle into their new home were Ashley and Anthony Bell. Ashley is a Gold Star Widow, whose first husband, Sergeant Steven Bell, was tragically killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011. Her current husband, Anthony Bell, is a U.S. Army veteran. Their home, like others in the program, features specific accessibility modifications tailored to meet the unique needs often faced by veterans, ensuring comfort, safety, and independence. These adaptations can include wider doorways, roll-in showers, accessible kitchens, and smart home technology designed to simplify daily living.

“Moving into this home is more than just getting a house; it’s a new chapter for our family, a place where we can truly thrive without the burden of a mortgage and with features that make life so much easier for Anthony,” Ashley Bell shared. “It’s a testament to the support our community and country offers its veterans and their families.”

Houston Responds has been instrumental in spearheading the Veterans Village initiative, working tirelessly to secure the land, coordinate funding applications, and manage the overall development. “Our mission at Houston Responds is to honor our veterans by providing tangible support that makes a lasting difference,” said a spokesperson for the organization. “The Conroe Veterans Village is a dream realized through incredible partnerships and the unwavering commitment of the VA. We believe these homes will not only provide shelter but foster a strong, supportive community for our veterans.”

Tilson Homes, a well-regarded Texas builder, brought its expertise to construct these specialized residences. “Building these homes for our veterans has been an incredibly rewarding experience for the entire Tilson team,” a representative stated. “We took immense pride in crafting homes that are not only beautiful and durable but also perfectly adapted to enhance the quality of life for those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.”

While three families initially settled into their new homes around early December, the long-term vision for the Conroe Veterans Village includes expanding to build many more residences for deserving veterans and their families. The project anticipates continuing to utilize the vital SAH grant program, which provides significant financial assistance – up to approximately $117,000 in fiscal year 2023 – towards the construction or adaptation of homes for eligible service members and veterans with certain permanent and total service-connected disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website provides comprehensive information on the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant program and eligibility requirements at www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants. Further details on the Conroe Veterans Village and how to support future phases can be found through Houston Responds at www.houstonresponds.org. This village represents a significant commitment to supporting veterans and their families in Conroe and the wider Houston area, offering not just houses, but homes within a community built on gratitude and respect.