
As we close out 2025, we’re filled with gratitude and pride as we reflect on a transformative year for Homes 4 Families. Thanks to our incredible donors, dedicated volunteers, and passionate community partners, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones in our mission to build resiliency, economic growth, and homes for veterans and their families.
Six Families, Six New Beginnings

Our greatest joy this year was welcoming six veteran families into their new homes in the Palmdale Veteran Enriched Neighborhood®. After months of dedication to enrichment programs and sweat equity, these families are now proud first-time homeowners. Their accomplishment is a testament to their perseverance and determination, and marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with community, support, and lasting memories.
New Leadership for a New Era

This year, Homes 4 Families proudly welcomed Crystal M. Yelverton as our new Chief Executive Officer. With more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience in development, strategic partnerships, and community impact, Crystal is leading our strategic growth and program expansion across Southern California as we continue to address the growing need for affordable housing and self-sufficiency programs among low-income veterans.
Building Communities, One Event at a Time
Build 4 Vets

We kicked off the year at our 2nd Annual Build 4 Vets, a day dedicated to hard work and determination. Volunteers advanced the development of Phase 5 in the Palmdale community, installing fences and completing fire sprinkler insulation, tangible progress that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of veteran families.
Women’s Empowerment Build

Our Women’s Empowerment Build was our largest and most successful event to date! Thanks to incredible volunteers, we made tremendous progress on the next six homes, including installing fences, painting bedrooms and living rooms, installing appliances, and transforming a 2,000 square foot play area with turf and playhouses for children.
Rainbow Build

The Annual Rainbow Build brought together neighborhoods, corporations, and the LGBTQA community in an unforgettable celebration of service. Volunteers sealed coral fences and benches, built a community board, and created a community chess and horseshoe game area. Spaces where families can gather and connect for years to come.
Celebrating Our Mission
Builder’s Ball

At this year’s Builder’s Ball, we honored the World Series Sponsor, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, and Assemblyman Tom Lackey. It was a successful evening celebrating our mission to empower veterans and their families, surrounded by our incredible supporters, donors, sponsors, and honorees.
Fund Racing 4 Vets

Our Fund Racing 4 Vets brought energy, laughs, and plenty of tire-screeching fun! With over 100 participants and an incredible crowd cheering them on, this year’s event was our biggest yet. Every lap raced helped support veteran families on their journey to homeownership.
Honoring and Connecting with Our Families
Brunch with the Brave
We celebrated Easter with our Brunch with the Brave event, welcoming over 30 attendees including beloved veterans, families, and children. The day was filled with heartfelt connection, laughter, and a deep sense of gratitude.
Thanksgiving Turkeys
Thanks to Joshua Memorial for donating 56 turkeys for our veteran families to enjoy for Thanksgiving! This holiday season, families in our communities gathered around the table in homes they can truly be thankful for.
Powered by TEAMBuilds
This year was packed with incredible TEAMBuilds featuring team bonding and empowerment activities that leave participants feeling challenged, energized, and connected as part of a meaningful effort by caring corporations. These collaborations have not only contributed to our achievements but have also helped us build strong relationships with our community partners.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Our deepest appreciation goes to the sponsors who make our work possible:
- Citi Foundation
- Boeing
- Max H. Gluck Foundation
- Bank of America
- Fanny and Svante Knistrom Foundation
- TJX
- Matson
- The Charitable Foundation
Looking Ahead to 2026
We’re excited to continue our mission in the new year with three signature events:
Build 4 Vets 2026 – February 21, 2026
Join us for a day of unity, gratitude, and support as we build homes for low-income veteran families.
Women’s Empowerment Build 2026 – May 2, 2026
Be part of our 16th annual WE Build tradition, honoring women and female veterans.
Rainbow Build 2026 – September 19, 2026
Our 7th annual Rainbow Build engages neighborhoods, corporations, and the LGBTQA community in building homes for veterans.
How You Can Help
Apply for a Home
We’re currently accepting applications for veterans to join our Palmdale neighborhood. If you’re interested in our upcoming North Hollywood project, contact our office to be added to the waitlist.
Join Hard Hats for Heroes
Our recurring monthly giving program allows you to make a meaningful impact with a small monthly donation:
- $10 a month buys a family window
- $25 a month buys a front door
- $50 a month buys cabinets for a veteran’s kitchen
After just one year, your monthly contribution transforms into something tangible that changes a family’s life.

As we reflect on 2025, we’re reminded that every home we build represents hope, dignity, and a fresh start for a veteran family. Thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we’re not just building houses—we’re building futures.
To learn more about Homes 4 Families or to get involved, visit our website or contact us at 818-884-8808


