American Express proudly announces a three-year, $2 million grant to help the Tunnel to Towers Foundation fund housing for veterans in need nationwide. The New York-based non-profit is dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of our nation’s first responders and military service members. The organization recently unveiled its first Veterans Village, converting a former 161-room hotel into a community and housing for 100 veterans, in Houston, Texas. The Village will soon be expanded to parts of Florida, Arizona and New Jersey, part of the organization’s Homeless Veterans Program.

“This grant underscores American Express’ commitment to honoring our military heroes who put their lives on the line to protect our nation,” said Jennifer Skyler, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at American Express. “We are proud to partner with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to help provide hands-on assistance like housing to support their transition back to civilian life.”

The Amex grant will also help facilitate tailored support for veterans by pairing them with a case manager through the Tunnel to Towers National Case Management Network. 

This approach is important in setting up our military heroes after their service, said Doug Tabish, Executive Vice President, Global Card and Risk Operations and global executive sponsor of the American Express Veteran’s network.  “Serving my country was incredibly important to me and the skills I learned have been a foundation I built upon throughout my career,” he said. “Unfortunately for many Vets, the transition can be a struggle and Tunnel to Towers is taking a comprehensive approach to tackle this critical issue.

Tunnel to Towers initially was a passion project for Frank Siller and his five siblings in memory of their youngest brother, Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter and father of five, who tragically lost his life on 9/11. After completing his shift in Brooklyn and learning of the Twin Towers’ attacks, he rushed towards Manhattan, only to find the island inaccessible. Undeterred, Siller donned his gear, ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, and entered the heart of the terrorist attack. He was one of the many first responders killed that day. 

“When we found out what he did, we knew we had to honor his sacrifice,” said Frank Siller, CEO, Tunnel to Towers. “He understood the importance of every day in life. He had so many friends, he was involved in so many lives, and he died the way he lived—helping others.”

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For more than 20 years, Tunnel to Towers has supported our nation’s first responders, veterans, and their families by providing these heroes and the families they leave behind with mortgage-free homes. The foundation also coordinates over 80 annual run/walk/climb events, organized by volunteers; the New York City 5K event routinely attracts 30,000-40,000 participants.

American Express lost eleven travel counselors stationed in the north tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11. In honor of their memory, Amex erected the Eleven Tears memorial at the company’s New York City headquarters and continues the tradition of placing roses next to their names each September.