Our Story

Founded on a Call to Serve

"By love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13, KJV

Our Mission

DRC Serving Heroes Initiative is a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit walking alongside veterans as they rebuild. We exist to close the gap between a veteran's service to this country and the stability they deserve when they come home — through housing, transportation, meaningful work, and true community.

We don't run veterans through a program. We walk with them through a season — until they're standing on their own.

Our Vision

To build a supportive community where those who have served and those rebuilding their lives have access to safe housing, meaningful opportunities, and the resources needed to thrive independently.

We envision a future where every individual is empowered with dignity, purpose, and stability through housing, workforce development, and compassionate service.

Why We're Called "Called, Covered & Carried"

Called

Every veteran who walks through our doors is called to purpose. Their service didn't end at discharge; it changed shape. We help them find what's next.

Covered

No one rebuilds alone. Our veterans are covered in prayer, community, and practical wraparound support from day one.

Carried

When the weight is too heavy, we carry it together — through the first key, the first paycheck, the first "welcome home."

Our Team

Leadership rooted in faith, service, and hands-on experience.

Deidra Tillman

Founder and President

Deidra Tillman is the Founder and President of DRC Serving Heroes Initiative, a Houston-area nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans achieve housing stability, employment readiness, reliable transportation, and long-term independence.

Her commitment to service began during her childhood in Illinois, where she worked alongside her mother through a community outreach ministry called Highways and Hedges. For more than 10 years, the ministry provided food and essential supplies to more than 250 individuals experiencing homelessness each month. This experience showed Deidra the importance of meeting people where they are and serving them with compassion, dignity, and consistency.

Deidra brings more than 17 years of experience in office management, payroll, business administration, and daily operations. As the owner of a certified remodeling and contracting company, she also has experience in housing rehabilitation, project coordination, vendor management, budgeting, and property improvement. For the past three years, she has worked with the City of Houston as a certified vendor, strengthening her knowledge of public-sector requirements, compliance, contracting, and community-focused service.

As President, Deidra provides the organization's strategic direction, develops community and funding partnerships, oversees programs and operations, and ensures that every initiative remains focused on the needs of veterans. Her experience in outreach, administration, construction, housing, and public-sector contracting helps DRC Serving Heroes turn its mission into practical and sustainable programs.

Deidra's faith is the foundation of her leadership and service. Serving God has taught her how to love and serve others, place God first, and trust Him to order every step. This belief inspired the organization's guiding scripture and message: “By love, serve one another.” — Galatians 5:13

For Deidra, DRC Serving Heroes Initiative is more than an organization. It is the continuation of a lifelong calling. Through faith, compassion, and action, she is committed to helping veterans find safe housing, renewed purpose, and a pathway toward lasting independence.

Ray Tillman

Treasurer & Board Member

Ray Tillman brings hands-on expertise in construction, project management, and operations. With years of experience in the field, he supports housing rehabilitation efforts and helps ensure projects are completed efficiently and safely. His practical knowledge and leadership guide the organization's housing initiatives.

Angela Neveaux

Secretary & Board Member

Angela Neveaux provides valuable insight in community engagement and organizational support. Her commitment to service and ability to connect with individuals and families strengthens outreach efforts and program delivery. She helps the organization remain responsive to community needs while supporting administrative and operational functions.