LA CROSSE, Wis.-- A new program in La Crosse is making home ownership easier for people who make an impact in our area. Homes for Heroes gives back to people who make a difference by giving them discounts and rebates when they buy, sell, or refinance their home.

Tri-State Paramedic Crystal Johnson wouldn't call herself a hero.

"We just do our job. We find personal gratification in coming to work and making a difference every day. You know, just reaching out to people in their time of need and doing what we can do to make their lives better," said Johnson.

But the people who run the Homes for Heroes program disagree. And when Johnson was looking to sell her home and buy a new one, they stepped in to help her out.

"With the help of this program, the property was inspected, it was appraised, it was found to be a good property, a good buy. All the options were laid out in front of me. I found a good mortgage. I was able to walk through the process and come out the other side knowing I can do this. I found this for my three children. It was a wonderful feeling. It was empowering," said Johnson.

In the Homes for Heroes program, people like real estate agents, insurers and home inspectors offer to pick up some of the cost of their services.

"I've already helped three people get into the city of La Crosse that may not have been able to afford it. But they were able to get just a little bit better of a house because of the discounts and rebates we've been able to give to them," said Homes for Heroes real estate affiliate Sue Mravik.

But how does the program define who qualifies as a hero? The answer is: They don't. Their definition is pretty wide open. It can include members of the military, veterans, teachers, firefighters, police officers and healthcare workers.

"It's something I can do for them. It just gives me the opportunity. There are so many people that have sacrificed their lives or have been injured. There're so many people, doctors and nurses, that do help. It's just my opportunity to help a little bit," said Homes for Heroes insurance affiliate Brian Eslinger.

And for Johnson, her new house means more than just a new place to live.

"It means everything. It was a new start for me and my children. I'm a newly single mom so it was the first time I'd purchased a home on my own,” said Johnson, “These are great people that go out of their way to voluntarily give their time and their services as a thank you. And it is so appreciated."

And that just might make them heroes too.

The program was created by a group of Minnesota business owners in 2002, inspired by the heroes of 9-11.

Since then, the scope of the project has expanded-- helping all kinds of heroes and spreading to communities like La Crosse.

If you're interested in the program and want more information, you can head to their website at www.HomesForHeroes.com. You can also give them a call at 1-866-4-HEROES.