December 16, 2025
Palmdale, CA — Homes 4 Families brought holiday magic to the military families living in its Santa Clarita and Palmdale affordable veteran homeownership communities this weekend, hosting a festive family holiday party designed to celebrate, support, and uplift veteran households during the season of giving. The annual event, made possible through the generous partnership of Bank of America, welcomed dozens of veterans and their children for an afternoon filled with joy, connection, and community spirit.


The celebration featured breakfast cooked on-site by Antelope Valley Boots on the Ground Alliance, a cookie decorating station, interactive holiday games, and friendly competitions with prizes that kept children of all ages engaged. Parents have shared over the years that events like this help them create meaningful traditions with their children—especially during a time of year that can be financially challenging for low-income veteran families. Veteran residents also stopped by to spend time with neighbors, reconnect with fellow service members, and share in the joy of the holiday season.
These residents are part of Homes 4 Families’ Veteran Enriched Neighborhoods®, which are more than just housing—they are supportive communities built around the unique needs of military families transitioning to civilian life. These neighborhoods offer affordable homeownership paired with trauma-informed, wraparound services that help families strengthen financial stability, emotional well-being, and long-term resilience. Within these communities, veterans and their loved ones form strong bonds with others who understand the unique pressures and experiences of military service, creating a safe and welcoming environment year-round.
This sense of community was on full display throughout the holiday event, as families already living in – and awaiting to move into – homes in the neighborhoods came together not just to receive support, but to support one another. Parents chatted about holiday plans, children compared their new toys, and volunteers and staff shared in the collective spirit of gratitude and companionship.

“At Homes 4 Families, we are proud of the work we do to support the veterans and families in our communities throughout the year and anytime we can deepen that through activities during special occasions like our annual holiday celebration it’s even more fulfilling,” said Crystal M. Yelverton, Homes 4 Families CEO. “We are grateful to our partners at Bank of America and Antelope Valley Boots on the Ground for their contributions and dedication to make the event special for our attendees. Witnessing the joy on the faces of the children and the parents relaxed and fellowshipping with neighbors while participating in the festive activities really highlighted the sense of community within our Veteran Enriched Neighborhoods®.”


Bank of America played a central role in making the celebration special. Employees donated a large selection of toys that were gifted to children, helping ensure each family experienced the excitement and warmth of the holiday season. Earlier in the week, a team of Bank of America volunteers gathered to wrap and organize hundreds of presents. Volunteers also attended the family holiday party on Saturday, sharing in the smiles of the families they helped brighten. “As a company that has served the banking needs of the US Military for over 100 years, Bank of America will always proudly support our veterans with the help of great nonprofits like Homes 4 Families. Supporting veterans is not a seasonal commitment for us; it’s a year-round responsibility, but the holidays make it extra special,” said Laura Marquez, vice president, Bank of America.
One of the veterans who will be moving into a later phase of the community volunteered to be Santa Claus, passing out toys and making sure each child felt special. Excited to move into the community soon, Paul said “I am excited to see how veterans will work together to live as civilians. It makes me feel safer knowing that I will be living in a veteran community.” “I liked decorating cookies with my sister and getting a new toy from Santa” said an 8-year-old, whose family lives in the Palmdale Veteran Enriched Neighborhood®.
Homes 4 Families will continue its mission of empowering low-income military families through
affordable homeownership, resiliency training, and year-round community-building initiatives.
Media Contact:
Stacey Chiang
Director of Development
Homes 4 Families
(818) 884-8808
Schiang@homes4families.org


