Tunnel to Towers Foundation Pays Mortgages for Families of 50 Fallen Heroes

By Peyton Phillips October 11, 2021

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a nonprofit that honors fallen 9/11 hero Stephen Siller through various initiatives that support those affected by the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Last week, the foundation announced that it has paid off the mortgages, in-full, on the homes of 50 fallen first responder and Gold Star families. This is the largest one-day mortgage payoff in Tunnel to Towers history.

“This year, Americans came together to remember the incredible loss of life that occurred 20 years ago when evil struck at the heart of our great nation. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation promised to NEVER FORGET what happened on that day and so many people across the country have joined us on our mission of doing good by giving back to our heroes, both living and fallen. Thanks to the generosity of this great nation, the Oberheim family and 49 additional families will never have to worry about making another mortgage payment, and will always have a place to call home.” said Tunnel to Towers CEO and Chairman Frank Siller.

The foundation has spent over $250 million thus far to honor and support first responders and veterans and their families. CEO Frank Siller is the brother of Stephen Siller, an off-duty firefighter who died after running through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel.

Recipients of the mortgage payoffs include 20 police officers, 15 of who responded to Ground Zero and lost their lives due to 9/11-related illness; 12 firefighters, including five who responded to Ground Zero and lost their lives due to 9/11-related illness; one sheriff’s deputy; one state trooper; one conservation officer; six U.S. Army service members; three U.S. Navy service members; three U.S. Marine Corps service members; and three U.S. Air Force service members.

Image source: amNewYork