MOORESVILLE, N.C. (WBTV) - Ground was broken on a new community unlike most on Tuesday. It’s specifically for those who have been injured while serving our country.
North Carolina is home to 615,000 veterans, and approximately 37% of them live with service-related disabilities. These disabilities often make it difficult to find stable employment, support loved ones, and secure affordable housing.
The numbers highlight this challenge: only about 22% of houses listed nationwide are affordable for veterans, a figure that drops to a mere 9% in the Charlotte area, according to Redfin.com.
The need for assistance is clear, and a local community, a non-profit, and a major retailer have answered the call for help.
The name of this new community, Freedom Hill, speaks volumes for the brave men and women who have served this country proudly.
This new development in Mooresville is reserved for a special group, injured veterans and first responders. 15 mortgage-free homes will be built here, thanks to Building Homes for Heroes, a non-profit organization.
Andy Pujol, CEO of Building Homes for Heroes, founded the organization after being profoundly affected by what he witnessed on 9/11.
“I’ve learned since then you’ll never unsee what everyone there saw during that time. There were fires burning everywhere, everywhere,” Pujol said. He was one of the few civilians who rushed into the towers to help rescue others.
Pujol shares a deeply personal moment.
“I climbed the rubble and I sat there and I prayed to God and I broke down into tears. I’ll never forget the moment… I’ve lived it 1,000 times in my life… And I made a promise to God that I was going to serve my country," Pujol said. “I didn’t know how, but I asked him for guidance. I asked for guidance and said, please guide me along the way. And that was the beginning of Building Homes for Heroes.”
Pujol’s mission 22-years later has led to the creation of 45 homes across the country. However, ‘Freedom Hill’ holds a special significance as it is the first full community of its kind.
This ambitious project is made possible through the invaluable support of Lowe’s retail store and the city of Mooresville.
“Without them, we couldn’t do what we do. And with them, we’re making miracles. We’re making miracles happen,” Pujol said.
He emphasizes the core mission.
“It’s not about business. It’s not about money. It’s about making sure you’re helping people along the way — building homes, building better and brighter lives, and making dreams come true," Pujol said.
This dream is now taking shape right here in the Carolinas.
“For us, Freedom Hill is like a landmark, you know, a new landmark of promise, where freedom meets family and hope meets home for those who will join us and the thousands and thousands we hope to help ahead,” Pujol said.
Freedom Hill is expected to open its first homes next year, with all homes anticipated to be completed by the end of 2027.
Injured veterans or first responders interested in applying for one of the homes can click this link here for more.