About Trusthouse
Trusthouse is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating affordable, permanent housing for veterans through thoughtfully designed tiny-home communities. Our work is rooted in dignity, stability, and respect—providing veterans with safe housing, access to essential services, and a supportive environment where independence and well-being can grow.
By combining private homes with on-site services and community-focused design, Trusthouse creates places where veterans can rebuild their lives with confidence and connection.
Trust
Our
Mission
Trusthouse is dedicated to purchasing, building, and maintaining an affordable tiny-home community for veterans, providing stable housing paired with on-site support services in an environment rooted in dignity, respect, and long-term sustainability.
Safe, affordable housing is the foundation for rehabilitation, improved health, and renewed independence. Trusthouse creates communities where veterans can rebuild their lives at their own pace.
Trust
Our
Vision
We envision a future where every veteran has access to safe, affordable housing within a community designed to support healing, independence, and long-term well-being.
Trusthouse communities are thoughtfully planned to reduce isolation, remove barriers to care, and foster meaningful connection.
Trust
Our
Values
Respect
We honor the service and sacrifice of veterans by creating housing and spaces that reflect dignity, privacy, and pride.
Stability
We believe stable housing is essential to physical health, mental wellness, and long-term success.
Community
We foster environments that encourage connection, shared responsibility, and belonging.
Accessibility
We are committed to affordability and access to essential services, including medical and supportive care.
Stewardship
We responsibly develop and maintain our communities to ensure sustainability and lasting impact.
Meet the Founder
Lyndsy Cushman, CEO & Visionary
Seeing the challenges many veterans face in finding safe, affordable housing, Lyndsy Cushman founded Trusthouse to help create a better, more lasting solution.
Trusthouse was established to develop affordable tiny-home communities for veterans—places designed to provide stability, dignity, and access to essential services within a supportive community. The goal is simple but meaningful: to offer veterans not just housing, but a place where they can feel secure, supported, and at home.
Under Lyndsy’s leadership, Trusthouse focuses on thoughtful planning, strong community partnerships, and housing models that support long-term independence and well-being. Through this work, Trusthouse is building communities where veterans can move forward with confidence and connection.
“Our veterans deserve more than thanks. They deserve stability, dignity, and a place to call home.”
— Lyndsy Cushman, Founder
Meet the Board
Trusthouse is guided by a diverse and experienced Board of Directors who bring a wide range of professional expertise and perspectives to the organization. Each member shares a deep commitment to supporting veterans and advancing Trusthouse’s mission to create stable, affordable housing within supportive community environments.
Together, our Board provides strategic leadership, oversight, and advocacy to help ensure Trusthouse makes a lasting and meaningful impact for those who have served our country.
Jim Shields, President
Jim Shields brings a lifetime of leadership shaped by military service, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. A veteran of both the Navy and Army, Jim rose from foster care to build and successfully sell his first company to a Fortune 500 organization. He has served as National Government Affairs Board Chair for VAREP, is a founding board member of 22 Challenge, and served three years as Chief Development Officer for Boys and Girls Haven. His dedication to veterans and at-risk youth makes him an unwavering advocate for those he serves.
Mike Cheney, Vice President
Mike Cheney brings more than 40 years of leadership experience in the commercial and residential real estate industry. He has held senior roles with organizations including Barkan Management, Comcast, Berkley Management, and MS Management. His extensive background in property management and operations provides valuable insight into the planning, development, and long-term sustainability of housing communities.
Teresa LeBlanc, Past Vice President
Teresa LeBlanc brings more than 30 years of nursing and healthcare leadership experience to her role as Vice President of Trusthouse.A registered nurse, she has served as a Case Manager, Assistant Director of Nursing, Nursing Supervisor, and Health Coach, with extensive expertise in home care and long-term care settings. Her lifelong commitment to wellness and community health strongly supports Trusthouse’s mission.
Jack Hamilton
Jack Hamilton is an entrepreneur and real estate coach with more than 35 years of experience in real estate sales, leadership, and agent recruitment. He has served as President of DLJ Realty, Inc., owner of Hamilton Realty Group, LLC, and as a coach with the Mike Ferry Organization and Tom Ferry International, mentoring hundreds of professionals. His experience brings strategic insight and mentorship to Trusthouse.
Steven Nadeau, Jr.
Steven Nadeau, Jr. is a U.S. Army veteran who served 12 years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). Following his military service, he founded SOCON Construction LLC, a New Hampshire–based company specializing in exterior renovations. He brings both military discipline and entrepreneurial experience to Trusthouse’s mission of providing safe, stable housing for veterans.
Grant Seitrich
Grant Seitrich is a U.S. veteran with experience in emergency management and munitions for the A-10. Following his military service, he owns and manages a portfolio of residential rental properties and currently serves as a Caseworker and Military Affairs Representative for the U.S. House of Representatives, assisting veterans and service members. He previously served as Assistant Manger of a Navy Fisher House, providing compassionate support to service members, veterans, and their families during times of medical crisis and hardship. Grant is honored to serve and remains committed to supporting the veteran community.
Dawn Wagner
Dawn Wagner is a hospitality professional and entrepreneur with a Penn State hospitality degree and a decade of hotel and resort management experience. She went on to own and operate BrightStar Care, a home care company serving New Hanover and Brunswick counties. She also owned two paint-and-sip art studios in Durham and Chapel Hill. She now works as a licensed real estate broker specializing in short-term rental investments and owns Shore & More Getaways, a boutique property management company on Oak Island. She also founded the Brunswick County Real Estate Investor Meetup. Her background in hospitality and entrepreneurship makes her well suited to serve as Trust House’s Event Planner director.
Ambassadors & Advisors
TrustHouse Ambassadors & Advisors bring diverse professional experience, community leadership, and a shared passion for serving those who have served our country. As trusted advocates and advisors, they support TrustHouse through mentorship, insight, outreach, and mission-driven guidance—helping strengthen our efforts to create stable, affordable housing within supportive community environments for veterans.
Our Ambassadors & Advisors help elevate awareness, build meaningful connections, and champion the TrustHouse mission—providing encouragement, expertise, and advocacy that contribute to lasting impact for veterans and the communities that support them.
Eric "Fish" Franke, Financial Advisor
Eric Franke, known to many as “Fish,” brings more than 15 years of experience helping individuals and families plan for the future through financial guidance, retirement planning, and long-term investment-focused strategies. As a financial advisor, he works closely with clients to help navigate important life transitions, prepare for retirement, and make informed decisions that support long-term financial well-being and stability. His commitment to helping others plan with confidence reflects a passion for building greater security, preparedness, and peace of mind.
Aaron M. Eklund, Retired Combat Corpsman | Biologics & Orthopaedic Trauma Professional
Aaron Eklund brings a diverse background of military service, healthcare expertise, and leadership to TrustHouse. A retired Combat Corpsman, Aaron has experience in biologics, spine, orthopaedic reconstruction, and trauma, along with a strong track record of building relationships and supporting strategic initiatives in healthcare environments. His commitment to service, mentorship, and improving outcomes reflects a passion for helping individuals and communities build stronger futures.
