Tignanelli Tunnel2Towers85-Room To House Veterans in Southfield, MI

On October 22, 2023, the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) was honored to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for Tunnel2Towers’ new 85-room facility in Southfield, MI. This monumental event marked the first Tunnel2Towers housing facility in Michigan, designed to provide much-needed support and services to veterans and first responders in need.

POAM President Jim Tignanelli and members Gregg Allgeier and Dave LaMontaine represented the association at the ceremony. Tignanelli’s non-profit, DefenderMobility.com, made a generous donation to Tunnel2Towers, funded by the many contributions from POAM members. The Police Officers Association of Michigan’s involvement underscores the importance of collective community efforts to support veterans and first responders.

About Tunnel2Towers

Founded in memory of firefighter Stephen Siller, Tunnel2Towers is a non-profit organization that provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and catastrophically injured veterans. The organization was inspired by Siller’s heroic sacrifice on 9/11 when he ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers, ultimately losing his life in the line of duty.

Over the years, Tunnel2Towers has gained national attention, thanks in part to its celebrity spokespeople. Public figures such as Mark Wahlberg and Jon Stewart have raised awareness of the organization’s mission, helping raise funds and driving support. Their advocacy has amplified the impact that Tunnel2Towers has on the lives of veterans and their families.

This parallel effort with Tunnel2Towers mirrors POAM’s deep involvement with Frontline Strong Together (FST5), an initiative specifically designed to support public service employees exposed to traumatic situations.

Tunnel2Towers POAM

Tunnel2Towers and FST5: A Parallel Mission of Support

While Tunnel2Towers has become known for providing mortgage-free homes to veterans and first responders, Frontline Strong Together (FST5), supported by POAM, focuses on the mental and emotional well-being of frontline workers. Police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, correctional officers, 911 dispatchers, and their families often carry invisible wounds from the job, ranging from PTSD to chronic stress.

FST5 was created as a collaborative project between mental health professionals and first responders to address these “invisible injuries” and help individuals recover from the emotional toll their jobs can take. It provides resources like counseling, stress management tools, and community support, improving the lives of those who face traumatic situations on a daily basis.

Organizations like Tunnel2Towers provide crucial support by offering not only homes but also a community and services tailored to the unique needs of veterans. The new Southfield facility is a step toward addressing veteran homelessness in Michigan and creating a brighter future for those who served.

How POAM and Tunnel2Towers Make a Difference

POAM’s participation in the Southfield project shows their commitment to making a tangible impact in the community. Through donations, events, and partnerships, both POAM and Tunnel2Towers strive to give back to those who dedicated their lives to law enforcement services, both far and wide.

By coming together, these organizations are offering hope and stability to veterans, ensuring that they receive the support they deserve. The Southfield facility is a testament to the power of community action and a brighter future for Michigan veterans.