A local nonprofit that provides custom-built, mortgage-free houses to veterans surprised a Purple Heart recipient on Tuesday with a new home.

Army specialist Evan Marcy lost his leg in 2009 while serving in Afghanistan as a combat military photographer. On May 30, 2023, he received the keys a mortgage-free house that he’ll get to call home, courtesy of Building Homes for Heroes.

The surprise reveal took place at the Bronx Fire House a place near and dear to the Marcy family.

“Growing up in the fire department, coming here for different events and seeing my dad work… he kind of instilled that brotherhood mentality,” said Marcy.

The home is the 343rd home that Building Homes for Heroes has given away to a veteran, and the number 343 holds significance to Marcy in many other ways. Marcy’s father, a former firefighter in the Bronx Fire House, says that he and his son rode 343 miles to honor the 343 firefighters who died on the day of the Sept. 11 attacks as part of the 9/11 Memorial Ride.

This year on Sept. 9, the 9/11 Memorial Ride will take place again, ending in East Haven, Connecticut at Marcy’s new home.