Hessel Family Foundation Unveils Hessel House, an Eco-Friendly Housing Project for Homeless Veterans in Clearwater
CLEARWATER, Fla., (April 10, 2026) — The Hessel Family Foundation unveiled the completed pilot housing project, Hessel House on March 31st, 2026. This initiative was first introduced in 2024 and has been developed throughout 2025 in partnership with the Community Service Foundation (CSF) and its affiliated program, Team Veteran and St. Vincent De Paul CARES to re-home a chosen veteran and their family.
The chosen family who will be the first inhabitants of the Hessel House is the Jaworski Family. The husband and veteran, Alexander Jaworski served in the United States Army from May 2011 to September 2014. Following his service, he pursued a career in martial arts instruction, working his way from part-time roles to managing a school alongside his wife, Cristina. However, ongoing medical issues eventually made it difficult to continue in that physically demanding path. After the loss of his father and rising living costs in New Jersey, Alexander, Cristina, and their daughter Kyla made the decision to relocate to Florida in search of a better future. The transition was not easy, as they faced job uncertainty and temporary living situations, moving between hotels while trying to establish stability.
During this time, they connected with St. Vincent de Paul CARES through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program, which became a turning point. The organization provided immediate support, including temporary housing and guidance, relieving a significant financial and emotional burden. Through this support, the Jaworski’s were introduced to the Community Service Foundation and offered the opportunity to move into a newly built home.
“We went from not knowing where we’d land, to being given a place to call home,” said Jaworski. “Being selected as the first family to move into this development is both an honor and a life-changing opportunity, and we couldn’t be more grateful to the Community Service Foundation, St. Vincent de Paul CARES, and the Hessel Family Foundation for all their support.”
The completed home, standing at approximately 900-square feet, features steel insulated panels (SIPS), which form the walls and roof, and generously donated by Structall Building Services. These panels are termite-proof, wind-resistant, and flood-resistant, providing a durable, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance living space. The construction and installation of these panels was overseen by Pierre Cournoyer of Cournoyer Construction Inc., who dedicated 2 years of his time to this project as a hands-on mentor to volunteers. The two bedroom-one bathroom home will be leased to the family for one year with a stipend, and case-managed by St. Vincent De Paul CARES.
“As a veteran myself, I understand firsthand how vital it is to have a place to call home after service,” said Ronald Lillard, SSVF Operations Manager of St. Vincent De Paul CARES. “The Hessel House is more than housing; it represents hope, dignity, and the opportunity for a true second chance. At St. Vincent de Paul CARES, we are deeply committed to ending Veteran homelessness. Through meaningful partnerships with organizations like the Hessel Family Foundation and Community Service Foundation, that commitment is being turned into a real, lasting impact. In 2025 and 2026 alone, we will have supported more than 400 Veterans in securing stable housing. This project is another powerful step forward, ensuring that a U.S. Army Veteran and their family not only have a roof over their heads, but a place to truly call home.”
The property was donated by the City of Clearwater under a Land Use Restriction Agreement (LURA), which requires occupants to meet income qualifications. For Hessel House, qualifying families must fall below 120 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), varying by household size. It is a common misconception that homeless veterans lack sufficient income to pay rent; many receive social security, disability, and/or retirement benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that make them eligible for such housing.
Additionally, a ‘Welcome Home’ gift basket was presented to the family by the Mayor of Clearwater, Bruce Rector, as a gesture of his appreciation. “We are so happy to have this family in Clearwater as an addition to our wonderful residents that area part of this city,” said Rector, Mayor of the City of Clearwater. “This home is going to be a fantastic place for the veteran family. Welcome home, Jaworski family.”
The rationale behind the one-year lease and stipend program is to provide sufficient time for veterans and their families to stabilize financially and emotionally. If stability is not achieved by the end of the lease, affordable housing options remain available through the Community Service Foundation and its affiliates.
“This project impacts everyone that it touches,” remarked Ed Thiebe, Executive Director of the Community Service Foundation. “This is a life-changing opportunity to give to something that is bigger and more substantial than themselves, and that’s the intention behind this.”
This milestone marks a significant shift in how the community addresses veteran homelessness, moving beyond temporary fixes toward sustainable, dignified independence. By combining cutting-edge sustainable architecture with a comprehensive support system, Hessel House serves as a scalable blueprint for future developments. The collaboration between private philanthropy and local government ensures that those who have served the country are not just given a roof over their heads, but a high-performance home designed to withstand the elements and foster a sense of lasting security.
“It is an incredible feat to see that all of the time and energy that volunteers, donors, and our partners have paid off,” remarked fourth generation Navy veteran and co-founder of the Hessel Family Foundation, Robert Hessel. “This project is only the beginning of what we intend to create, and we are grateful for this opportunity to provide a foundation for my brothers and sisters in arms who are struggling.”
A heartfelt thank you to the following organizations for dedicating their time, resources, services, and volunteers to assist in the success of this project:
- Community Service Foundation Inc.
- The City of Clearwater
- Vincent De Paul CARES
- Source 1 Solutions
- Intelligent Deals
- Lowe’s Commercial Painting
- Clearwater Police Department
- Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey
- Cournoyer Construction Inc.
- Arcdesign Inc.
- Structall Building Systems
- Coastal Air Company
- Cass Plumbing
- Di’Mond Electric Corp.
- Gehrand Family Trust
- Acorn Tree Service and Landscaping Inc.
- Raymond James Valor
- Blue Brick Title Company
- Kam Roofing Systems
- Florida Coastal Insurance
- Live Like the Pros LLC
To learn more about the Community Service Foundation and the Team Veteran program, visit https://csfhome.org.