Non-profit organization to pay off Sgt. Ansari’s mortgage

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) -A non-profit organization is ensuring the family of a fallen Savannah Police officer and army veteran has a place to call home.

Sergeant Kelvin Ansari was a husband and father of four, and those he left behind now don’t have to worry about how to pay for their home.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation will pay off Sgt. Kelvin Ansari’s mortgage. The CEO made that announcement this morning in front of Sgt. Ansari’s family.

The organization announced on Tuesday that it will give $100,000 to Sgt. Ansari’s wife, Charlotte, and children to pay for their home.

“They paid a tremendous sacrifice," said Frank Siller, CEO and Chairman of the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. "Kelvin made the ultimate sacrifice. I think it is up to us let’s make a commitment, let’s make a commitment that when an officer gives their kids or their wife a kiss goodbye and they go to protect their community and they don’t come home that we’re going to take care of their family.”

Tunnel to Towers started in memory of a firefighter who died on 9/11 and supports families of fallen military members and first responders.

“Kelvin doesn’t want Charlotte to stay sad," Siller said. "They want us to be happy people. Of course, you’re going to be. Right now, you’re mourning a tremendous loss. You’re going to go through a horrific period of time. Everybody’s different how long it takes. Once again, we can lift some of that burden. We pay that mortgage, I’m telling you, you don’t know how much burden that relieves on a family.”

Savannah Police Chief Roy Minter says removing that financial worry is just another way to help the family through this time.

“When we lose a hero, there are a lot of holes that occur that have to be filled,” said Chief Minter. "There are emotional holes. There are psychological holes, but the financial holes that are caused by the deaths are something anything that we can do to help them out they should not have to worry deal with.”

Less than a week ago, the foundation gave a mortgage-free home to the wife and daughter of Sergeant First Class Christopher Celiz, who was killed in Afghanistan last July.

Siller says he didn’t expect to be back for a tragedy like this so soon.

The foundation is donating the initial money, but it needs your help to pay off the Ansari’s home.

Click here if you would like to donate.

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