Success Story

The PenFed Foundation's Military Heroes Fund makes the American dream of homeownership a reality for military families through the Dream Makers program.

Sgt. Sky Perez, a sergeant serving in the U.S. Army, and wife, Erika, celebrated an important milestone for their family of four in September 2018: After 10 years of living in an apartment, the Perez family purchased a home. The PenFed Foundation matched their down payment through the Military Heroes Fund Dream Makers program up to $5,000 and was able to help them secure their new home.

“We would not have been able to make this purchase without your assistance,” Erika said in an email. “The process with your organization was smooth the entire way though, and we’re amazed that a grant like this could be a reality for us.”

In 2018, the PenFed Foundation helped more than 180 families secure the dream of homeownership with Dream Makers. Since 2001, Dream Makers has provided more than $6.5 million to low- to moderate-income Veterans and active-duty personnel.

“What you do for military families is priceless,” Erika said. “We cannot thank you enough, and are so grateful to be in our new home today.”

The program offers grants of up to $5,000 for down payments to first-time homebuyers of modest means. To protect against changes in the market and personal circumstances, the program requires applicants to combine some of their personal savings with our grants to offer at least a 3% down payment.