Nonprofit Giving Away Free Home in Lake Elsinore to Veteran or Active-Duty Service Member

Veterans and active-duty military personnel have a chance to claim the keys to a free home in Lake Elsinore.

HomeStrong USA is taking applications from service members wishing to compete in the nonprofit’s next home giveaway, slated for Nov. 8.

Applicants have until Oct. 3 to submit an application stating why they believe they’re deserving of the 2,138-square-foot property.

Honorably discharged servicemen and women, as well as those still on duty, can apply.

Rancho Cucamonga-based HomeStrong USA, which specializes in financial education and foreclosure assistance, has donated homes to veterans nationwide under its HomeStrong Heroes Program. Successful applicants receive the property mortgage-free, with an obligation to remain at the location for a certain number of years.

The program puts an emphasis on assisting vets with physical disabilities.

The Lake Elsinore house will be awarded based on several factors -- most importantly an essay that applicants must complete stating what they learned from their military experience, where they served, what if any wounds they suffered and how that has impacted them. Essays can be as long or as short as an applicant desires.

The three-bedroom, two-bath single-story house has been completely renovated and is move-in ready, according to the nonprofit.

The HomeStrong Heroes Volunteer Advisory Committee, whose members include officials from Riverside County, will announce the winning application just prior to the Nov. 8 key ceremony. Supervisor Kevin Jeffries is expected to be on hand for the event.

Those interested in submitting an application should visit http://homestrongusa.org/housing-programs/homes-for-heroes/apply/ .

— City News Service.

(Image via Shutterstock)