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The Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T) has long been part of the Solomon Page community through our SP Cares initiative, and we’re proud to continue supporting its mission to serve veterans, first responders, and their families. Founded in honor of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who lost his life while responding to the attacks of September 11, 2001, Tunnel to Towers has grown into a national organization providing housing assistance, supportive services, and other resources to those who have sacrificed in service to others. As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Solomon Page spoke with Andrew McClure, Senior Director, Development at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, about the Foundation’s recent progress, the challenges facing those it serves, and the initiatives ahead in 2026.
Solomon Page Question:
In the previous Q&A we did with T2T, you shared how the organization honors the legacy of Stephen Siller through programs that provide mortgage-free homes, housing assistance, and ongoing support. What developments or milestones over the past year are you most proud of?
T2T Answer:
Homelessness among veterans is a persistent concern. While the numbers have improved over the past few years, a significant problem still exists. Our goal is to eradicate veteran homelessness. Through our Veterans Villages and our National Case Management Network, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is responsible for providing housing assistance and access to supportive services to more than 20,000 veterans and their families over the past three years, with a considerable amount of this progress carried out in 2025. Tunnel to Towers has a unique model that finds us pairing high-quality affordable housing with comprehensive supportive services. We not only aim to provide Veterans with comfortable and dignified living spaces, but to assist them on the road to financial stability and independence.
Through our Homeless Veterans Program, the Foundation is constructing Veterans Villages throughout the country. These are either built from the ground up or are a full-scale conversion of a former hotel property into a high-end, affordable apartment complex, providing permanent and transitional housing to veterans. The property is equipped with a comprehensive service center on the first floor, offering veterans a litany of needed supportive services. Some of the Villages are complemented with Comfort Homes that serve as permanent housing for senior citizen veterans.
Solomon Page Question:
What are some of the biggest challenges veterans, first responders, and their families are facing today, and how does T2T tailor its programs and support to address those unique needs?
T2T Answer:
The challenges that veterans face include but are not limited to mental health issues (PTSD, anxiety, etc.), joblessness or the inability to secure a position with a livable wage, family separation/social isolation, housing instability, understanding benefits and working through the healthcare system, catastrophic injuries and illnesses, etc. The Foundation meets the veteran where he or she is at. It’s imperative that we have a clear understanding of the veteran’s issues, needs, and history, and meet them head on.
When we build Smart Homes for veterans with catastrophic injuries, they’re designed to address the specific needs of that veteran. Most of our assistance when it comes to first responders is for the families left behind when a first responder loses their life. Each family has unique needs. In most cases, the Foundation will satisfy the mortgage held on the family’s home. T2T is also now addressing college tuition for the children of the fallen.
Solomon Page Question:
Tunnel to Towers relies on a strong network of supporters, volunteers, and partners. How do these communities help expand the organization's reach and impact?
T2T Answer:
The support we receive throughout the nation is immeasurable and essential. Being welcomed into a community with open arms can make a considerable difference for recipients, and T2T relies on supporters, volunteers, sponsors, and partners to help make that possible.
Through our National Case Management Network, T2T works with more than 1,400 public and private organizations, including VA representatives, landlords, mental health and financial counselors, corporations, food banks, and community organizations. This network allows us to connect veterans with resources ranging from housing and basic needs to employment and financial assistance, helping them work toward greater stability and independence.
Solomon Page Question:
What is something people may not realize about the work that goes into supporting the veterans, first responders, and families served by Tunnel to Towers?
T2T Answer:
Many are unaware of the Foundation’s reach. Being a Foundation that was born on 9/11 and is based in New York, there are many that believe we are local and regional. The Foundation has carried out initiatives in every state in the US. People are surprised by our proactiveness. When a servicemember of first responder loses their life in the line of duty, T2T reaches out to an advocate immediately. We act!
Solomon Page Question:
Looking ahead, what goals, initiatives, or areas of focus is Tunnel to Towers most excited about?
T2T Answer:
We’re excited about 2026, particularly as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The Foundation recently launched its Steel Across America tour, bringing a 16,000-pound steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center to communities across the country before its return to Ground Zero on September 11. Tunnel to Towers will also gift 343 mortgage-free homes in honor of the 343 FDNY members who lost their lives on 9/11, while continuing to expand our Veterans Villages nationwide.
We’re also proud of the new Tunnel to Towers Scholarship Program, which will provide full scholarships for undergraduate degrees and accredited trade programs for children of families served through our Gold Star Family Home, Fallen First Responder Home, and Smart Home Programs. The program will also reimburse qualifying educational expenses for eligible students already enrolled.
We would like to thank Tunnel to Towers and Andrew McClure for contributing to this conversation. Our communities are essential to our organization, and we are honored to share their voices. Looking to get involved in Tunnel to Towers? Register for upcoming events closest to you by following Tunnel to Towers on Instagram and Facebook, or by visiting their website.
