Hessel Family Foundation Opens Hessel House in Clearwater for Veteran Family
CLEARWATER, Fla., (April 10, 2026) — The Hessel Family Foundation recently celebrated the grand opening of Hessel House in Clearwater, FL, marking the culmination of a two-year effort to provide new construction housing for a veteran and their family.
HCP Associates supported the initiative throughout its development, working alongside the Community Service Foundation (CSF), its affiliated program Team Veteran, St. Vincent de Paul CARES, and a broad network of volunteers and donors to help bring the project to life. First introduced in 2024, the effort evolved through 2025 as a collaborative mission to deliver not just housing, but long-term stability and support for the selected veteran family. Special thanks are extended to Ed Thiebe, Executive Director of the Community Service Foundation, whose leadership and commitment were instrumental in advancing the project from concept to completion.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the culmination of this multi-year effort to provide sustainable, dignified housing for a service member. Throughout the process, HCP Associates contributed across strategy, branding, and communications, including identity development, digital platforms, social media, public relations, and event execution, helping shape and amplify the foundation’s presence within the community. Working in coordination with Robert and Tajila Hessel, founders of The Hessel Family Foundation, Robert’s team at Source 1 Solutions, as well as City of Clearwater leadership, including Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector and Chris Edwards, Director of Economic Development and Housing for the City of Clearwater, the firm supported a unified effort that brought Hessel House to life.
The Hessel House stands as a beacon of community collaboration, transforming a vision of philanthropic support into a tangible sanctuary. By leveraging the expertise of CSF, the specialized veteran services of St. Vincent de Paul CARES, and donations from various esteemed organizations, the project ensures that the resident family receives not just a roof over their heads, but a comprehensive support system designed for long-term success.
“This project represents what’s possible when leadership, philanthropy, and service align,” said Eric Polins, Managing Partner of HCP Associates and a longtime supporter of the foundation. “As a former Marine, I have deep respect for what Robert Hessel, a fourth-generation military veteran, and Tajila Hessel have built. We were grateful to play even a small role in a project that delivers something truly life-changing for a veteran family.”
The event featured remarks from Mayor Rector, who had a hand in the donation of the parcel of land for the development of this project, and representatives from the partnering organizations, highlighting the critical need for veteran-focused housing solutions in our region.
To learn more about this project, visit https://hesselfoundation.org/hessel-house-foundation-dedication-2026/
About HCP Associates
With over 40 years of experience, HCP Associates is a research-driven branding and communications firm specializing in strategic positioning, identity systems, digital execution, public relations, and cinematic storytelling. HCP partners with organizations across diverse industries to build brands that are clear, credible, and built for long-term growth.