When Gail Power, a dedicated sales representative with Sutton Group Masters Brokerage in Kingston, ON, first learned about a project aiming to construct tiny homes for veterans, she was deeply moved. The initiative, designed to provide solace and stability for those who had bravely served Canada but found themselves struggling on city streets, immediately resonated with her. Four years later, her unwavering commitment and enthusiasm for the Homes For Heroes Foundation (H4HF) Kingston Village remain stronger than ever, embodying a profound dedication to those who sacrificed so much.
Gail’s passion quickly translated into action. As a driving force within the local real estate community, she understood the power of collective effort. “Our committee has worked tirelessly on numerous fundraising events,” Power explains, “including three successful ‘Ride for Refuge’ events, vibrant garage sales, delectable bake sales, and an innovative sign rider program that alone generated over $200,000.” This impressive sum was further bolstered by the incredible contributions of individual Realtors; Jackie Blakney and ReMax each independently raised $100,000. “In total,” Power proudly states, “local Realtors, working collaboratively, have collectively raised over $400,000, demonstrating a powerful commitment to our veterans.”
Central to Power’s vision was ensuring that fundraising initiatives were inclusive, welcoming participation from all real estate companies. This approach fostered a strong sense of community solidarity, ensuring the people of Kingston understood that their Realtors were not just in business but actively engaged in supporting vital local causes. While the original sign rider program is currently on hold due to administrative complexities, the spirit of generosity endures. Realtors from a diverse range of companies, alongside other dedicated volunteers, continue to innovate and raise essential funds through various impactful channels.
The current committee of volunteers from Sutton Group Masters exemplifies this continued dedication, comprising Michelle Cifala, Joe Cifala, David Hatt, Kay Langmuir, Ryan Power, and Gail Power herself. Their efforts are complemented by invaluable community members such as Kendra Hodgson of KH Realty and Kathy Williams of Williams Auto. The team recently welcomed Jackie Blakney of ReMax Finest Realty, whose personal connection to the cause is deeply moving; she raised a remarkable $100,000 to fund a tiny home in cherished memory of her father. Further demonstrating the real estate sector’s impact, Marco Dipietrantonio and Rob Colangeli of ReMax Finest Realty also successfully raised enough funds to build an entire home, underscoring the profound collective impact of individual and team efforts within the Kingston real estate community.
Transforming Lives: Supporting Veterans Beyond Housing
The Kingston Village, one of only three such communities across Canada, represents more than just shelter; it’s a sanctuary. Comprising 20 meticulously designed tiny homes, it offers each veteran a private, dignified space nestled within a serene, park-like environment. This innovative model tackles veteran homelessness not merely by providing a roof, but by creating a foundation for holistic recovery and reintegration.
Gail Power recalls her initial engagement: “We have been supporting this project since before the first shovels even broke ground. When I first heard about it, I knew I had to help. Homelessness is a pervasive issue globally, but Homes For Heroes has discovered a truly effective way to connect with and empower those who have bravely served our nation.” The Foundation’s genesis lies in a deeply personal narrative. Co-founded by David Howard and Murray McCann, H4HF was born from Howard’s own experience witnessing his father, a Navy veteran, grapple with the debilitating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poverty.
H4HF’s mission extends far beyond simply providing accommodation. It is dedicated to eradicating veteran homelessness in Canada through a comprehensive, full-service program designed for long-term independence. This includes vital resources, vocational training, and ongoing counselling, all tailored to equip veterans with the tools they need to rebuild their lives successfully. “This isn’t a Band-Aid solution,” Power emphasizes. “It demands full commitment from everyone involved. A veteran seeking a hand up, not just a handout, is offered a fully furnished tiny home, coupled with essential counselling, unwavering support, and clear guidance. They are given a genuine chance to reconnect with society, regain their purpose, and even receive assistance in securing meaningful employment.” This integrated approach addresses the multifaceted challenges veterans face, from mental health to economic stability, fostering true self-sufficiency.
The tangible success of this model is already evident. Travis Cellini, H4HF Veteran Services Manager, proudly reports that the Kingston Village has celebrated 13 successful graduates to date, and all its homes are currently at full occupancy. This achievement not only demonstrates the urgent need for such programs but also validates the efficacy of H4HF’s holistic approach. Each graduate represents a life transformed, a veteran reintegrated into society with dignity and hope, proving that with the right support, recovery and stability are not just aspirations but achievable realities for Canada’s heroes.
Driving Forward: Continuing the Mission with New Events and National Impact
While the Kingston Village is a vibrant, fully operational community, the mission is far from over. Gail Power highlights the ongoing need for financial support to sustain daily operations. “Funds are continuously required to ensure the village runs smoothly, providing the consistent care and support our veterans deserve,” she explains. H4HF was founded by compassionate individuals who recognized a critical need and chose to act; it operates independently of government funding, relying entirely on the generosity and philanthropic spirit of individuals and organizations. This independence allows for agility and a community-centric approach, but it also means constant fundraising is paramount.
“We have been committed to this cause from its very inception, and our dedication to continuous support remains unwavering,” Power asserts. The committee is channeling this resolve into exciting new fundraising efforts. A community garage sale is scheduled for September 20th, offering a chance for local residents to contribute and find treasures. The flagship new event, however, is the much-anticipated Glimmer Gala, slated for November 7th. “The committee strategically chose November 7th,” Power explains, “placing the event just before Remembrance Day, a time when our community’s focus naturally shifts to honoring veterans, and far enough from the busy Christmas season.” She also tantalizingly suggests that the diverse array of auction items will make for exceptional holiday gifts, blending philanthropy with thoughtful giving.
The Glimmer Gala promises an unforgettable evening. “We are incredibly excited about this event,” Power exclaims, “which will feature an exquisite dinner, vibrant dancing, and captivating entertainment, all hosted within the beautifully renovated ballroom of the Kingston Marriott.” This elegant affair is designed not only to raise critical funds but also to celebrate the community’s collective spirit and honor the veterans it serves, fostering a sense of shared purpose and enjoyment.
The profound impact of Gail Power’s dedication in Kingston has not gone unnoticed. Kim Shippey, National Director of Development for H4HF, acknowledges Power’s significant influence on the mission’s success in the region. Travis Cellini, H4HF Veteran Services Manager, further emphasizes the invaluable nature of support from local real estate agents. “The backing of local real estate agents unlocks an incredible array of opportunities for us,” Cellini states. “Funds raised directly bolster veteran care right here in Kingston, providing immediate, tangible support.” Beyond financial contributions, the real estate community’s strength lies in its extensive network and reliance on word-of-mouth. “Their business model thrives on a vast network of contacts and mutual support, which for us, is truly endless,” he adds. “Having local agents champion our village grants us unparalleled access to their networks, opening doors for potential housing solutions for veterans successfully graduating from our program. We are immensely proud and deeply fortunate to have such robust community support.”
A shining example of institutional support comes from Commissionaires Kingston, a major sponsor of the Kingston Village. David Patterson, CEO of Commissionaires Kingston and Region, a veteran himself who retired from the army in 2017 before joining Commissionaires in 2019, proudly highlights their commitment: “We are Canada’s largest employer of veterans and uniquely, Canada’s only not-for-profit security company. A significant 35 percent of our employees are veterans or their dependants, and all our board members are veterans.” He adds a powerful promise: “We have made a firm commitment to offer employment opportunities to any Homes For Heroes residents who are actively seeking a job.” This partnership provides a crucial pathway to employment and further economic stability for veterans transitioning out of the H4HF program.
While the federal government recently demonstrated its commitment with a significant $1.9-million investment to combat veteran homelessness in Kingston, the need for continuous fundraising remains critical. The scope of the H4HF vision is immense; Kim Shippey reveals that it costs approximately $10 million to construct each village, in addition to an annual operating cost of $450,000 to $500,000 per village. This substantial investment underscores the philanthropic imperative.
The success of the first village, established in Calgary in 2019, paved the way for expansion. In addition to Kingston, another thriving village operates in Edmonton. The future is bright with plans for villages in London and Winnipeg slated for 2026, and further sites envisioned for Halifax and the Hamilton/Burlington area. This national footprint highlights H4HF’s ambitious goal to end veteran homelessness across Canada, one village and one transformed life at a time. The vital fundraising efforts are ongoing, fueling this expansive and impactful mission. To support this noble cause and secure your tickets for the Glimmer Gala ($150), please visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/glimmer-gala-in-support-of-homes-for-heroes. For comprehensive information about the Homes For Heroes Foundation, explore www.h4hf.ca. “We are also actively seeking more dedicated volunteers to join our cause,” adds Gail Power. To learn how you can contribute your time and passion, please email Gail Power directly.