Gridiron Capital partners with Habitat to build homes for Vets

Gridiron Capital is partnering with Housatonic Habitat for Humanity, the local housing nonprofit, to build homes for Veterans and their families.

According to Executive Director Fran Normann, “We are please to announce a new collaboration with Gridiron Capital of New Canaan who will act as the major sponsor in developing a program to provide home ownership opportunities for Veterans of all service branches in the greater Danbury area.” According to Normann, the initiative began several months ago when Gridiron’s management approached Habitat to see how they could impact the shortage of Veteran owned homes in the region. “We were enthusiastic to focus on this important need with a local firm which sees an ongoing commitment to this issue. As we build and renovate homes, our partner families will be service members who have retired and are working to build a better life for their families.”

In addition to building homes, the program will also include an expansion of Housatonic Habitat’s repair program, Brush with Kindness, which provides low-cost repairs to homeowners in need of preventative maintenance. Statistics from the Bureau of Veterans Affairs show that in Connecticut, a third of the estimated 200,000 Veterans served in the Vietnam Era and more than 50% are 65 years or older. “We see an important need to help these Veterans age in place,” she said.

“At Gridiron, we have seen firsthand, the importance of character traits and leadership qualities that Veterans bring to both Gridiron and our portfolio companies. Across our portfolio we employ over 500 Veterans ranging from titles of CEO to traveling nurse. The unique culture and desire to win created by these individuals help drive significant growth across their respective companies. The opportunity to partner with Habitat for Humanity gives us, at Gridiron, a chance to thank those individuals and families who fought for our freedoms,” said Tom Burger, Managing Partner.

“We are proud to be launching this as a major component of Gridiron’s broader Veteran’s initiative,” added Kevin Jackson, Managing Partner. “The close alignment of the Gridiron culture and values with those of our Veterans makes this a logical next step in our growth as a firm. Gridiron is committed to recognizing the contributions of our Veterans to our Nation as we continue to create value in our portfolio,” said Ed Francis, Operating Partner/US Army Veteran.

“I applaud Habitat for Humanity and Gridiron Capital for this partnership in launching a great new program to address the housing needs of area Veterans and assist those Veterans aging in place in their homes who are in need of renovation and repairs in order to remain in their homes. Many thanks to Habitat and Gridiron for their commitment to our collective responsibility of “Serving Those Who Served” said State Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, Thomas J. Saadi.

“We hope to engage active military members, Veterans and supporters in our volunteer programs and to continue to provide access to financial literacy and home ownership education programs to all who qualify for Habitat home ownership programs,” the executive director added.

Housatonic Habitat for Humanity focuses on making a meaningful difference in the lives of qualified working families by promoting financial stability and self-sufficiency through ownership of affordable homes.

To learn more about Housatonic Habitat visit: www.housatonichabitat.org or www.facebook.com/housatonichabitatforhumanity/.

To learn more about Gridiron Capital visit: https://gridironcapital.com/.

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