In this issue:
HomeAid Celebrates 35 Years of Impact
HomeAid Makes and Strengthens Relationships at PCBC
HomeAid Affiliates Across the Country Begins and Completes Many Projects this Month
2024 HomeAid Essential Drives Start to Wrap Up
HomeAid Founding Board Member Honored at PCBC
HomeAid Board Member Reflects on Work with HomeAid Hawaii
Recommended Reading
HomeAid America Featured in Builder & Developer
HomeAid is on the Road this Summer
HomeAid Sponsors
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A Message from the CEO
HomeAid Celebrating 35 Years of Impact
Dear HomeAid Community,
As we celebrate June 12, 2024, we mark a significant milestone—35 years of HomeAid’s dedication to ending homelessness. What began as a grassroots effort in Orange County, California, has grown into a national movement with 19 affiliates across the country. As the CEO of HomeAid, I am proud to share our incredible journey and the profound impact we've made together.
From its inception, HomeAid has remained steadfast in its mission to provide vital resources and housing to those at risk or experiencing homelessness. Over the years, our collaborative efforts have touched the lives of more than 650,000 individuals, providing them with the hope and support they need to rebuild their lives.
One of the cornerstones of our success has been our ability to forge powerful partnerships with local governments, nonprofits, and private sector entities. These collaborations have enabled us to complete 1,148 projects across the Continuum of Care, including resource centers and affordable housing. Each project is a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause.
As we look to the future, I am excited to share that we currently have 78 projects in development, which will create nearly 2,700 new beds nationwide. These projects represent more than just shelter; they are symbols of hope and new beginnings for countless individuals and families. Each bed we create is a lifeline, providing stability and the opportunity for a brighter future.
Innovation and excellence are at the heart of HomeAid’s approach. We are committed to staying at the forefront of best practices in the field, whether through sustainable building techniques or trauma-informed care initiatives. Our goal is to continually adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of our communities effectively.
The success of HomeAid is a direct result of the dedication and generosity of our volunteers, donors, and partners. From those who swing hammers on construction sites to those who provide financial support, each contribution is vital. It is through this collective effort that we have achieved so much over the past 35 years.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain aware of the ongoing challenges and the work that still lies ahead. Homelessness is a complex issue with deep-seated causes, but I am inspired by the resilience and compassion of our community. Together, we have the power to make lasting change and build a future where everyone has a place to call home.
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to HomeAid’s mission. As we commemorate this anniversary, let us celebrate our achievements and look forward to continuing our vital work. With your help, I am confident that HomeAid will remain a beacon of hope for many years to come.
Warm regards,
Scott Larson
CEO, HomeAid
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HomeAid reinforces and establishes relationships at PCBC 2024
Last week, HomeAid spent the week at PCBC catching up with our current supporters as well as sharing HomeAid’s goal of building a future without homelessness with those unfamiliar with HomeAid.
A huge thank you to everyone who visited HomeAid at our booth. It was inspiring to share our impactful programs, exciting future initiatives, and ways to get involved with HomeAid nationally and with our local affiliates across the country.
HomeAid recognized our anniversary of 35 years with cupcakes at our booth on Wednesday, June 19. It was special to celebrate the impact of HomeAid through the years with many who have helped us along the way.
We leave PCBC with renewed energy and commitment to continue our work, and we look forward to the exciting collaborations and projects that lie ahead as we continue to help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness through construction, community engagement, and education.
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HomeAid Affiliates Off to a Busy Summer with Project Groundbreakings and Dedications
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HomeAid Austin was honored to partner with our friends at Project Transitions to renovate their offices.
This new space will allow this important service provider to continue furthering their mission of providing safe and dignified housing for those living with HIV.
This affordable housing for families and seniors will add directly to Orange County's affordable housing supply while decreasing homelessness in the community.
These micro-homes are a BIG opportunity for those who age out of foster care, and would otherwise face the threat of living on the streets.
HomeAid Phoenix celebrated the completion of the Family Success Center Expansion Project at Maggie's Place on June 12th at their Phoenix, AZ campus.
This expansion will provide Maggie’s Place with the essential space for its support services, administrative operations, and donation collection.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the hard work and community support that brought this vision to life. Special thanks to all those who contributed to making this project possible!
HomeAid Southern Nevada completed the renovation project with Shine a Light Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit that helps hundreds of people living in the underground flood channels of Las Vegas.
This project transformed this space by replacing the flooring, repairing drywall, adding fresh paint, installing new window treatments and baseboards, and installing new custom shelving to house donations.![]() ![]()
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2024 HomeAid Essential Drive Wrapping Up HomeAid 2024 Spring Essential drives are wrapping up, 10 HomeAid affiliates including Austin, Colorado, Orange County, National Capital Region, and Puget Sound, have recently completed their drives for the year. HomeAid Orlando finishes this week and HomeAid Utah will conclude the efforts at their drive on August 23, 2024. We look forward to sharing HomeAid's total impact on vulnerable families and babies nationwide in early September when all the drives have finished. Stay tuned!
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Celebrating Excellence: Dan Hanson Inducted into the California Homebuilding Foundation Hall of Fame
We are thrilled to announce that Dan Hanson, one of HomeAid's founding board members and the Executive Director of Enterprise Partnerships and Acquisitions for loanDepot, is being honored with induction into the California Homebuilding Foundation Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition celebrates Dan's remarkable career accomplishments, unwavering dedication to community service, and outstanding commitment to advancing the homebuilding industry.
Dan Hanson is among four distinguished individuals (including Laura Archuleta of Jamboree Housing, Liesel Cooper of Dream Finder Homes, and Matt Koart of Pulte Group) being inducted this year. Dan’s innovative spirit, exemplary leadership, and significant contributions to the field have not only elevated the standards of homebuilding but also paved the way for future generations of industry professionals.
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Rebuilding Maui TogetherHomeAid America Board of Director Dave Kosco writes about his experience with HomeAid Hawaii this past year after the tragic fires last summer.
Hard to believe it has been 9 months since devastating fires ravaged West Maui. The loss of Lahaina, a town my family and I have visited for twenty years, was one of the most traumatic things we’ve bore witness to as we sat on a balcony in Kaanapali and saw the town burn. The days that followed were nothing short of horrific as the body counts grew and the number of burned structures climbed into the thousands. Closing in on the one-year anniversary, I wanted to remind myself and everyone reading of the impact the fire has had on the people of Maui and the efforts of many to help with the recovery.
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"Together" by Dr. Vivek H. Murthy
In "Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World," Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, former Surgeon General of the United States, offers a compelling and insightful exploration of the pervasive issue of loneliness and its impact on our health and well-being. Through a blend of scientific research, personal anecdotes, and stories from diverse individuals, Dr. Murthy illuminates how deeply human connection affects our lives.
Dr. Murthy identifies loneliness as a public health crisis with serious implications. He explains how loneliness can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, depression, and anxiety, and examines the societal factors that contribute to this growing problem, such as social media, evolving work environments, and the fast pace of modern life.
"Together" is not only a diagnosis of the problem but also a heartfelt call to action. Dr. Murthy provides practical advice and strategies for fostering connection in our personal lives, workplaces, and communities. He emphasizes the importance of small acts of kindness, deep listening, and the cultivation of strong, meaningful relationships.
This message aligns seamlessly with HomeAid's mission to build new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach. At HomeAid, we understand that providing shelter is only one part of the solution. Creating a sense of community and belonging is equally critical. Dr. Murthy’s insights highlight the importance of social connection in enhancing the overall well-being of the individuals we serve.
HomeAid's projects and programs aim to foster connections within communities, bringing people together to support those in need. By addressing the root causes of homelessness and promoting comprehensive solutions, we strive to build more than just homes—we aim to build hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging. "Together" reinforces the necessity of these efforts and provides a framework for understanding the broader impact of our work.
In conclusion, "Together" by Dr. Vivek H. Murthy is a powerful and timely book that underscores the importance of human connection in addressing loneliness and improving public health. It resonates deeply with HomeAid’s mission and serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of community and compassion in building a better world for all. We highly recommend this book to anyone committed to fostering connection and making a positive impact in their communities.
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HomeAid is on the road this summer!
In July we will have exhibits at:
SunBelt Builders Show
July 11-12, 2024
Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas
Jeff Shore Marketing and Sales Summit & Builder Expo
July 16-18, 2024,
Music City Center, Nashville, TN
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