Pete Hegseth and His Son: Turning a Whisper Into Homes for the Homeless

What began as an offhand remark from a child has turned into a multimillion-dollar housing project.

One evening, as the day wound down, Gunner Hegseth, son of television personality and Army veteran Pete Hegseth, told his father: “Daddy, I want to build houses for poor people. I want to give them bread. I want them to sleep well.”

Pete Hegseth, more often known for his political commentary than for community work, took the words seriously. Instead of dismissing the request, he began reaching out quietly to local organizations, construction crews, and nonprofits. There were no press conferences, no media campaigns. The effort grew in near silence.

Within months, it emerged that Hegseth had personally funded much of the construction. Millions of dollars went into land, materials, and labor. Families soon began moving into newly built homes—150 small houses equipped with basic needs, but carrying the weight of a child’s vision.

Neighbors described seeing father and son working side by side, hammer in hand, wearing gloves and boots like the other volunteers. Witnesses recalled Gunner’s simple explanation: “I don’t want people to be sad when they sleep.”

The project has drawn attention not only for its scale but for its ripple effect. Volunteers from across the community joined in, inspired by the sight of the Hegseths working shoulder to shoulder. Local businesses donated supplies, and families who had never built before learned to frame walls and lay flooring.

At each dedication, children who once slept in cars now opened the doors to their own bedrooms. Families who had gone years without stability sat down together for meals. “What started as a whisper,” one volunteer said, “became a chorus of gratitude.”

Asked about the financial scale of the project, Hegseth deflected attention. “It wasn’t my idea,” he said, pointing to his son. “Sometimes we overcomplicate compassion. If someone doesn’t have a house, build them one. If someone is hungry, feed them. I just followed his lead.”

For Pete Hegseth, often cast as a sharp-tongued commentator on television, the housing project has revealed a different role: a father carrying out his son’s wish, and in the process, helping hundreds find a place to call home.