The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established to honor the sacrifice of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who died on Sept. 11, 2001, has continued his legacy by providing essential support to veterans and first responders. Frank Siller, CEO of the foundation and Stephen Siller’s brother, stated that the organization aims to "do good" for these communities and their families.
Since its inception, inspired by Stephen Siller’s favorite quote, "While we have time, let us do good," the foundation has delivered more than 1,700 mortgage-free homes. These homes are designated for the families of fallen service members and first responders, as well as for disabled veterans and first responders. The foundation has also extended housing assistance and support services to over 20,000 homeless veterans and organizes numerous events nationwide to commemorate America's heroes and ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten.
Frank Siller has previously voiced concerns that the impact of 9/11 might be fading from national memory, particularly as some online discourse has downplayed or justified the attacks. He has pledged that the Tunnel to Towers Foundation will actively work to prevent this.
To educate younger generations about the events of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Institute provides resources for K-12 students, emphasizing the heroism and resilience demonstrated on that day. The institute's mobile 9/11 exhibit has reached nearly every U.S. state and Canada. This year, the foundation initiated "Steel Across America," a traveling display featuring a 16,000-pound steel beam salvaged from the World Trade Center wreckage. The beam traveled over 10,500 miles to 35 locations across 21 states and the District of Columbia before concluding in New York City.
In anticipation of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Tunnel to Towers launched its "343 Homes Initiative." This program aims to provide 343 mortgage-free homes to honor the 343 New York City firefighters who died on Sept. 11. These homes will be given to families of fallen service members and first responders, and to catastrophically injured service members nationwide. This initiative builds upon the foundation’s existing "In the Line of Duty Programs," which have already provided over 1,700 mortgage-free homes. Among these, more than 220 are "Smart Homes" specially modified for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
Frank Siller's memoir, 'Let Us Do Good,' further explores the inspiration behind the foundation's mission. He emphasizes that his brother Stephen’s life and death serve as a constant reminder to live fully and dedicate one's time to positive actions, defining it as Stephen’s enduring legacy.
