In this episode of ChangeMakers, Katie Goar sits down with Gavin Naples, Senior Vice President of the Homeless Veterans Program at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Gavin shares how the foundation, born from the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller on September 11, has grown into one of the nation’s most trusted nonprofits, providing over 2,000 mortgage-free homes and now tackling veteran homelessness head-on.

Gavin explains the foundation’s three-pronged approach: building long-term supportive housing through Veterans Villages, creating a nationwide case management network, and partnering with HUD-VASH to fill critical service gaps.

He discusses the scope of veteran homelessness, the overlooked impact on children, and how community involvement—from delivering Thanksgiving turkeys to providing peer support—restores dignity and connection for veterans in need.

Gavin also shares the foundation’s vision of reaching “functional zero” homelessness among veterans and invites listeners to support the cause through donations or volunteer efforts.