Create Healthy Invests in First Responders for a Safer, Healthier Fredericksburg
Create Healthy has contributed $150,000 to the Foundation Funds for the Fredericksburg Police, EMS, and Fire Departments so that more first responders can purchase homes in Gillespie County. Eligible first responders can apply to their specific funds for grants to cover down payments and closing costs associated with a home purchase.
The housing grants encourage more first responders to reside in the county, assist with the recruiting process, and increase long-term retention of the essential personnel.
“Investing in the men and women who protect and serve all of us is one way we can express our appreciation for their service and sacrifice,” said Jayne Pope, president and CEO, Create Healthy. “They take care of our community every day. Helping them put down roots in the community they care for makes the community we all call home safer and healthier.”
The median home value in Gillespie County is 38 percent higher than the national average, and the county ranks in the bottom 16 percent of counties for affordability (2,626 of 3,142 counties), according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
“We are incredibly grateful for Create Healthy’s generous support of the Fredericksburg Police Department Foundation Fund,” said Chief of the Fredericksburg Police Department Brian Vorauer. “This investment will help us continue providing housing assistance to our officers, making homeownership more attainable and strengthening our ability to reinforce our shared commitment to keeping Fredericksburg a safe place to live, work, and visit.”
“With the cost of living in Gillespie County outpacing other counties in Texas, homeownership can often be out of reach,” said Chief of Fredericksburg Fire and EMS Lynn Bizell. “With Create Healthy’s donation, owning a home can become a reality for more of our EMS personnel and firefighters and encourage them to make Gillespie County their home for the long-term.”
In addition to its more than $15 million in philanthropic investments in Hill Country organizations working in mental health, early childhood development, health education, healthy living, and food security, since its founding in 2023, Create Healthy has covered the monthly membership fee for the Create Healthy Wellness Center for City of Fredericksburg and law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel to support their long-term health and well-being.
