25 years after 9/11, Homes for Heroes has given back nearly $200M

The 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks carries dual meaning for Homes for Heroes — remembrance of tragedy and celebration of the good that emerged from it. Founded in the aftermath of 9/11 by Minneapolis real estate professional Ruth Johnson, Homes for Heroes has returned roughly $200 million to heroes across the country on more than 80,000 transactions, representing approximately $21 billion in real estate volume. Johnson said the idea originated with her son in the weeks following the attacks. “He said, ‘What if we used our business to say thank you to those who serve our nation and its communities?’” she told HousingWire. “His idea was that we could thank heroes by giving them rebates, money back on their real estate transaction, help them get into housing, which would be really a meaningful thank you.” The program began within Johnson’s own real estate franchise in the northwestern suburbs of Minneapolis, where she was broker-owner of a company with around 80 agents. In its first year, the effort returned $144,000 to heroes in the local community. Johnson sold her real estate company in 2006 and, after a noncompete period, took Homes for Heroes nationwide...