Operation Homefront, Dollar Tree Expand Partnership To Give Army Veteran Family Rent-Free Housing And Fresh Start

National nonprofit Operation Homefront and Dollar Tree are expanding their long-standing partnership to deliver even greater impact for America's military families. Together, they welcomed Army Veteran Julian Kuhn, wife Julie and their three children into the Transitional Homes for Veterans (THV) program in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Thursday, December 4. 

Through the THV program, the Kuhn family will live rent-free for 2–3 years while working with a caseworker and financial counselor to strengthen their long-term stability. As part of that program, families learn about the homebuying process, credit building, debt reduction, emergency savings, and community engagement. Although monthly rent is not required, families contribute a monthly program fee that is fully refunded upon completion—providing a substantial down payment toward a home of their own.

Service was a calling for Julian Kuhn, who continued a proud family legacy when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2020. He began his career with the 82nd Airborne Division, enduring intense training and maintaining readiness for rapid deployment. In 2023, shortly after the birth of his second child, he reenlisted and moved with his family to South Korea for a two-year assignment.

During this period, Julian's chronic back injuries worsened. After a particularly strenuous training session, he lost the ability to walk temporarily. Despite multiple therapies, his condition did not improve, launching a long medical board process and leaving the family facing an uncertain future.

Operation Homefront provided stability during this challenging transition by welcoming the Kuhns into the organization's Transitional Housing Village in Maryland, where they were able to pay down debt and rebuild their savings. When a THV home in Fayetteville - the city where the couple met, married, and started their family - became available, Julie applied immediately. Now, the Kuhns are beginning a new chapter surrounded by loved ones, focused on becoming debt-free and preparing to purchase a home of their own.