Flagler County, FL/Washington, D.C.(May 13, 2021) – Some may say Sam Royer is a pretty tenacious guy.
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, from his Flagler Beach office, he now serves as the national director for Heroes First Home Loans, after helping create the division in 2017.
Since then he’s earned a reputation, and when Royer says he puts heroes first, he literally does, helping hundreds of families achieve the American Dream of homeownership over the past 24 years.
It was Sam’s determination that landed him at an event where he pitched the idea for legislation he’s had percolating to U.S. Congressman John Rutherford (FL-4), while at a clay shooting match in Jacksonville several months back.
The former Jacksonville sheriff was all ears as Royer explained the foundation for The HELPER Act. (Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator and Responder)
“I will never forget Congressman Rutherford stopping me about 2 minutes into my presentation and saying ‘Sam, let me stop you there. I remember borrowing money from my parents for my first house. I will never forget paying them back the last $900 I owed them’,” he said.
“To me, that was a game changer, he got it. It meant the world to me that such a distinguished man in law enforcement was going to be the main thrust of this legislation. He lived the change we are trying to make in this country, honoring the men and women who serve it.”
Working closely with Rutherford’s staff, they began the process of fine-tuning the legislation that was introduced today.
Focusing on providing the same benefits veterans have when purchasing a home to first responders, law enforcement and teachers, Royer feels public servants deserve the same respect and opportunities as the men and women in uniform defending the nation.
“As a Marine veteran, I cut my time too short to our country,” shared Royer. “It is one of the greatest mistakes I ever made in my life. I am healthy, fit and could have done more. This legislation, for the men and women who still wear a uniform on the home front, there is no reason they should not have the same benefits as I do when buying a home in the community they serve.”
With his mother a nurse, his sister an EMT, and his father an educator, Royer has seen the sacrifices firsthand of America’s frontline public servants.
“My father passed a few years back and he always knew my heart about this matter,” he shared. “I want to make him proud looking down on me.”
The Good Neighbor Next Door program, offering homeownership to this specific category of community helpers, was crafted with good intent but doesn’t truly meet their needs, providing only the option to purchase foreclosed homes that can often be costly fixer-uppers for a sector of the workforce earning a modest income.
The HELPER Act will allow them to avoid large fees and guarantee home loans for people working in their field for four years or more.
Supported by Congressman Rutherford, it’s a win-win for communities across America.
“America succeeds when we invest in those who serve our communities,” said Rutherford.
“This includes our teachers, paramedics, EMTs, law enforcement, and firefighters. We’ve already seen the success of the VA home loan program for our service members. The HELPER Act builds on this success to extend a home loan benefit to first responders and educators, offering them loan assistance to purchase a home when it might not otherwise be possible.”
Gaining endorsements and support from major organizations like the National Association of Realtors, the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the National Association of Hispanic Firefighters.
As legacy legislation, the impact will be felt by those who are eligible to take advantage of The HELPER Act for generations to come if successfully adopted by Congress.
Royer asks the public to join in and support the program to help those on the frontlines of America.
“The public can help gain support for this legislation by just contacting their local Congress person or Senator. Send them pictures of their community Heroes. If they served, send a picture of themselves when they were a young teacher, firefighter or police officer. Tell them the stories of your first home purchase and not making that much and needing money to put down,” said Royer.
“Let them know you support their local community Heroes just like the military members and Veterans that serve now and in the past.”
Press Release: Congressman John Rutherford (FL-04)
For more information about this legislation, please click here.
