HomeAid National Leadership Conference offered Inspiration and Collaboration to HomeAid Team
HomeAid’s Annual National Leadership Conference was held last week in Salt Lake City, Utah. HomeAid America and HomeAid Utah hosted the conference. HomeAid Affiliate Executive Directors and many of their affiliate team members all came and participated in a week full of information, inspiration, and collaboration. This event has been sponsored by HomeAid's longstanding partner, Ashton Woods, for the past three years and could not have happened without their dedication and support.
“The HomeAid National Leadership Conference was an inspiring and energizing gathering, bringing together our dedicated leaders and their team members from across the country. Through collaboration, learning, laughter, and shared passion, we strengthened our collective commitment to building a future where everyone has a place to call home. I am grateful for the incredible work being done by our affiliates where together we are making a lasting impact,” said HomeAid CEO Scott Larson. “On behalf of HomeAid America and our entire network of affiliates, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Ashton Woods for once again sponsoring our National Leadership Conference. Your continued support and commitment to our mission at a local and national level through leadership, volunteerism, and funding makes a lasting impact, empowering us to build more pathways to housing and hope for those in need. We are honored to have Ashton Woods as a valued partner in this critical work,” said Larson.
Shaun Tomson, a former World Surfing Champion, entrepreneur, and best-selling author (see article below for more information on Shaun), opened the conference with his powerful message of resilience, leadership, and purpose. His ‘I Will’ philosophy was inspiration for HomeAid, whose mission is to build a future without homelessness.
The HomeAid Team toured The Other Side Village, a self-reliant, peer-led village providing a safe, dignified, uplifting life for the chronically unsheltered. HomeAid Utah is currently constructing 11 total units for this tiny home village. Each unit under 350 square feet offers a cozy living area, a private bathroom, a bedroom, and a kitchen.
The group also heard from Dave Durocher, Executive Director of The Other Side Academy in Salt Lake City. After facing multiple prison sentences, Dave turned his life around through the Delancey Street program, where he eventually became Managing Director. Now, he’s leading The Other Side Village, a community that offers people a second chance through life skills, accountability, and dignity.
The conference also featured Utah State Representative Tyler Clancy. As a dedicated member of the Utah House of Representatives, Rep. Clancy has been a strong advocate for homelessness solutions, drug policy reform, and mental health treatment—causes that align deeply with HomeAid’s mission.
Marci Houseman, leveraging over 30 years of experience in education and coaching, helps leaders prepare more intentionally to navigate change. Kim McCorkle from HomeAid Austin, who focused on self-care and stress reduction, also presented to the HomeAid Team during the week.
HomeAid Utah’s Executive Director, Brian Diggs, and his team worked alongside the HomeAid national staff to make this an impactful event for all who attended. From having impactful discussions to site tours and powerful guest speakers, HomeAid staff gained valuable insights and renewed energy to make further impact with HomeAid across the nation.
Thank you to all the HomeAid leaders, partners, and speakers who shared their expertise, passion, and commitment to making a difference with the HomeAid Team.
