RMHC-SA and local Realtor team up to help homeless vets

Something really special happened here at the Ronald McDonald House on Monday, June 4, and we thought you might like to hear about it.

Part 1

Phillip Fileccia is a local real estate agent who is revitalizing the old Benson Motel (on Benson Highway between Country Club & Palo Verde) so that it can house veterans experiencing homelessness. He’s providing low-cost, flexible-term housing that includes utilities, cable, WiFi, and a business room with computers to help them get back on track. When Phil talks about his passion for supporting veterans, he gets goosebumps and tears up. It’s important work, and he’s making sure it’s a priority for Tucson.

Part 2

After 10 years at our new location, the Ronald McDonald House is getting a much needed upgrade to our guest rooms making improvements that will foster better health and increased comfort for families with children who are facing serious illness and injury. We’ve been carefully planning these renovations for a long time and listening to families about what will make the most difference during their stay. Changes to the rooms will include switching dusty carpeting to easy-to-clean hard flooring, the addition of ceiling fans and extra LED lighting, added storage space for clothes and belongings, and comfortable chairs and desks, just to name a few.

Where the two meet

We know Phil through the Realty Executives Tucson Elite Agents for Change program. On June 4, we began demolition on the first half of our rooms, and there were a lot of usable materials which needed to be removed. Phil and his crew (many of whom were hired veterans) came to remove all of the furniture and fixtures, saving RMHC thousands of dollars in construction costs. We then donated those materials to Phil’s Benson Motel for Veterans (a 501(c)3 organization) to help him serve more of our country’s servicepersons. All of those furnishings will still be used to help those in need of housing, helping individuals and families out of homelessness or avoiding it altogether.

It’s a true win/win.

To learn more about the Room Refresh project or our Adopt-a-Room program, call Nancy Kirk at (520) 326-0060 or email nkirk@rmhctucson.org

To learn more about the Benson Motel for Veterans, or for other questions about real estate or property management, contact Phil at phillip.a.fileccia@gmail.com.