Super Bowl Champ Martin Gramatica Builds Home for Veteran in Need

Hernando County, Florida, USA - In a heartwarming display of community spirit and support for veterans, Super Bowl champion Martin Gramatica joined forces with Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside on July 10, 2025, to build a home for Army veteran Priscilla Reed. This initiative marks the fifth Veterans Build Home sponsored by the Gramatica Family Foundation, further underlining its commitment to the cause. Gramatica was accompanied by his family and members of the Foundation, demonstrating that family values and community service go hand in hand.

Priscilla Reed, a dedicated Army veteran who served for a decade, has recently faced significant housing challenges, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Despite her diligent efforts to keep up with rent payments, Reed found herself grappling with homelessness for four months. The new home symbolizes a fresh start for Reed and highlights the ongoing struggles many veterans face in securing stable housing. Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside has been a champion for homeowners in Pinellas, West Pasco, and Hernando counties, aiding over 990 families by offering zero-interest loans and emphasizing the importance of „sweat equity.“

Supporting Veterans: A National Initiative

Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build initiative stands as a testament to its commitment to veterans across the country. This program actively seeks to provide volunteer, homeownership, and employment opportunities for U.S. veterans, military service members, and their families. According to data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there are 2.5 million veteran-headed households at least 55 years old, and a staggering 24% of them find themselves under the strain of housing cost burdens.

• Older veterans are more likely to face disabilities, with 35% experiencing significant challenges.
• Nearly half of single mother veterans are spending over 30% of their income on housing.
• With rising housing costs and a slow-growing economy, veterans transitioning to civilian life are facing mounting pressures.

Since 2013, Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build initiative has helped over 9,097 veterans and their families secure better housing, with more than 350 affiliates working in tandem with veteran support organizations to address their unique needs. The program encompasses various key focus areas including the construction of safe and affordable housing, volunteer opportunities for veterans, and essential financial education to promote successful homeownership.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans estimates that approximately 1.4 million veterans risk homelessness due to factors such as poverty and inadequate living conditions. In instances like those highlighted by the Huntington VA Medical Center’s Veterans Housing Initiative, the focus has shifted towards helping veterans become homeowners. The initiative, which began in 2014, looks to create pathways for single, adult veterans, offering unique programs that require them to contribute „sweat equity“ hours towards their new homes.

Habitat for Humanity has proven to be a vital partner in these efforts, providing essential support through collaboration with local VA centers and emphasizing a hands-on approach to homeownership. Participants in these programs not only gain a place to live but also often help other veterans gain housing as well.

As community members gather to support these initiatives, it’s clear the goal extends beyond just providing housing—it’s about creating a sustainable future for those who served our country. The stories of veterans like Priscilla Reed resonate with many, reminding us that in the pursuit of helping one another, we rebuild more than just homes; we rekindle hope and opportunity for a brighter tomorrow.

For further information about Habitat for Humanity’s initiatives, you can visit Tampa Bay Business & Wealth, Habitat for Humanity, and Huntington VA Medical Center.