The overview
The Hero Benefits Network is a nonprofit that raises money to aid employees and members of nine different categories with different costs often associated with buying or selling a home. For example, Regional Director Jimmy Rushing said funds can be used toward closing costs, buying down a mortgage, moving expenses, or a home purchase.
The nine categories include law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, military and veterans, educators, healthcare professionals, nonprofit workers, government employees and union members.
By the numbers
According to the U.S. Census Bureau data from the first quarter of 2025, the homeownership rate nationwide is at the lowest it's been in five years at 65.1%. Several factors contribute to this, including high home prices, rising mortgage rates and a limited supply of entry-level homes.
- The homeownership rate for active-duty service members is 44% less than the general population.
- The average teacher can afford only 14.3% of homes for sale within commuting distance of their school.
- Only 17 out of 203 metro areas had median home prices low enough to be affordable for an EMT in 2022.
- Nearly two-thirds of police officers indicated that housing costs are an obstacle to retention and recruiting.
How it works
The organization enrolls real estate agents to become certified with HBN, who then pledge to give back 30% of their earnings to the nonprofit on every commission. Mortgage and title partners can also participate in the program.
According to the organization’s website, those served through the network typically receive $3,000-$10,000 in direct benefits, with $3,000-$5,000 given to those buying a home and $5,000 to $10,000 for relocation and moving expenses.
The impact
Approximately 2,000 realtor professionals have enrolled in the program since early 2024, according to a report by the network. The program is available for realtors to participate nationwide, with planned expansions for regional offices in the future, Rushing said.
