‘A Place to Call Home’: Tunnel to Towers Unveils Greater Houston Veterans Village with 14 Smart, Accessible Comfort Homes
On Wednesday, August 13, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation officially opened Phase II of its Greater Houston Area Veterans Village, welcoming community members, partners, and heroes to celebrate the grand opening of 14 newly built, smart, and accessible comfort homes for formerly homeless veterans.
Located at 18818 Tomball Parkway near FM 1960, the property was originally a 161-room hotel, which has since been converted into transitional housing. The new comfort homes expand the site’s purpose by offering permanent, supportive residences — a key part of the Foundation’s mission to end veteran homelessness with dignity and long-term stability.
This latest expansion of the Tunnel to Towers Houston Veterans Village, also known as the Comfort Home Village, builds on a legacy of service and second chances. Since its initial opening in late 2023, the site has housed over 130 veterans, offering comprehensive services in partnership with USVets — including mental health care, case management, and job readiness programs.
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A Symbol of Sacrifice and Strength
The grand opening ceremony was punctuated by a deeply moving moment of tribute. Daniel Arizpe, a long-time volunteer and local ambassador for Tunnel to Towers, presented a custom-made U.S. flag to the community — a piece specifically crafted by Cy-Fair Fire Department Firefighter Kyle Wiggs. More than a patriotic gesture, the flag was a heartfelt symbol of unity, service, and remembrance.
"More than a work of art, it’s a powerful tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering service of our veterans and first responders," Arizpe shared.
The flag, made from decommissioned fire hoses, reflects the hands-on experience of a hose dragger with the Cy-Fair Fire Department — someone who manages hose lines during critical initial attack operations. Unveiled during the ceremony alongside fellow firefighters and supporters, the piece serves as a meaningful tribute to the shared service and sacrifice of veterans and first responders.
(Photo: Daniel Arizpe)A Community-Backed Mission
Built in partnership with Paradigm Construction, this newly unveiled phase of the Houston Veterans Village includes 14 comfort homes — each designed with accessibility, independence, and resilience in mind. The homes are fully furnished and equipped with smart technology to ensure ease of living for those who once faced life on the streets.
“Our Houston Comfort Home Village will be a model for long term supportive housing throughout the nation,” said Gavin Naples, Esq., Senior Vice President of Tunnel to Towers’ Homeless Veteran Program. “It will ensure that our nation's heroes who need a helping hand have a permanent place to call home, in comfort and dignity.”
The grand opening event drew supporters from across Greater Houston, including representatives from the Cy-Fair Fire Department, Harris County Precincts 3 and 4, and the Cy-Fair Women’s Club, who adopted the Veterans Village as their 2024 charitable cause. In July, the group contributed a $10,000 donation to support the construction of the new homes.
“Their generosity of time, resources, and heart have made our residents truly feel welcome and cared for,” said Kim De Lorenzo, Development Manager for Tunnel to Towers in Houston.
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A Vision Born of Heroism
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established in honor of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller — who gave his life on 9/11 — has expanded its reach nationwide, with a focus on supporting catastrophically injured service members, Gold Star families, and the families of fallen first responders.
In 2025 alone, the organization is set to deliver 200 mortgage-free homes across the country. Their Homeless Veteran Program, launched in 2022, has already provided services to over 10,000 veterans and their families.
At the heart of their mission is a promise of permanence.
“We know there is more goodness in this world than evil,” said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Foundation. “When we come together as Americans, we can be the conduits of this goodness. But we can only do it together.”
(Photo: Daniel Arizpe)Looking Ahead: Tunnel to Towers 5K in Cypress
Greater Houston residents will have another opportunity to support the Foundation’s mission during the upcoming Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at John Paul Landing Park in Cypress, TX. The event honors the lives lost on 9/11 and the heroes who continue to serve. Registration is available online through the event website.
How to Help or Learn More
Visit T2T.org to donate, volunteer, or learn more about the Greater Houston Area Veterans Village and the national effort to end veteran homelessness.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for ongoing community updates, veteran outreach stories, and ways to get involved across Houston and beyond.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.