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Helping a Hero Org

EIN 20-5433598 · Houston, TX

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair68 out of 100GovernanceGood77 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Provide adapted homes and emergency financial aid to severly wonded heros injured in the expanded war on terror. Give marriage and caregiver support, provide recreational activities, and facilitate community support.

Income
$9.2 million
Spending
$9.3 million
Spent on programs
97%
Reserves
2.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
4

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 68 out of 100. Higher than 28% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 5% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    97% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 77 out of 100. Higher than 29% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    4 of 4 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (2)
  1. $9.1 million spent. The Wounded Hero Home Program is the signature program for severly wounded warriors injured in the post 9-11 Global War on Terror. Traditionally, homes are built in master-planned communities with the developer and builder donating time and materials toward the construction of the house, with Helping a Hero.org donating cash towards the project. The veteran contributes 50,000 towards the home including their VA specially adapted housing grant for which most of the veterans selected for this program are eligible. First Accomplishment Each home is built to address the special adaption standards for the veteran who will live in the home and is designed to ensure maximum independence, within budget constraints. The home is recorded at cost plus any in kind donations from trade partners, the builder or other sources. The organization has awarded home grants in 26 states. Most of the time, the Organization conducts a groundbreaking ceremony before the construction of a new home for a wounded warrior. The ceremony allows the Organization to introduce the wounded warrior and his or her family to the community, educate the community about the needs of the wounded warrior, educate other businesses about the opportunity for giving back to wounded warriors, and honor the wounded warrior for his or her service. The Organization has a welcome home ceremony when the home is completed and the wounded hero ready to move in. The ceremony allows the Organization to thank all the vendors who donated time and or products to the home, as well as, educate the community about the adaptation needs of the wounded hero as a result of his or her permanent injuries.
  2. The caregivers, primarily spouces and parents, face the 24/7 day to day challenges supporting our wounded warriors. They are often overlooked and unrecognized. The Organization organizes and offers retreats that pamper, provide encouragement, fun, and camaraderie for these caregivers. The wounded warriors have often been in the military since leaving high school and therefore often are unfamiliar with home maintenance, repair responsibilities, and cost. The Organization endeavors to help them develop and make better financial decisions thoughtout the term of the program.Emergency Needs and Recreation Support The organization provides ongoing support for wounded warriors and their families, with priority given to home recipients. This support includes financial support, invitations to sports events, rodeos, fishing and hunting outings, other forms of recreation and entertainment, and the annual Operation Merry Christmas. Over 500 wounded worriors have received assistance.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since January 2008.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.