In this issue:

There is Still Time to get Involved with HA Essential Drives

HomeAid Affiliates Hard at Work in the Fight Against Homelessness

HomeAid CareKits Help During Summer Months

Welcome Brian Diggs

Recommended Reading

HomeAid Portland Featured in Builder & Developer

New HomeAid National Board Member

HomeAid will be at Booth #140 at PCBC in June

Save the Date for the 2025 Housing Market Outlook Breakfast

HomeAid Sponsors

There are Still Many Opportunities to Help Families in Need Acquire Essential Baby Items

Dear Friends,

As we find ourselves in the heart of spring, HomeAid and its affiliates are once again rallying together for our annual Essentials Diaper Drive. This initiative, nestled within our Community Engagement program, embodies our unwavering commitment to serving those in need and fostering positive change within our communities.

It's no secret that the need for basic essentials, such as diapers, remains a pressing issue for many families across the nation. For families experiencing homelessness or financial hardship, the cost of diapers can pose a significant burden, often forcing them to make difficult choices between purchasing diapers or other necessities. As advocates for those facing homelessness, it is our duty to address this need head-on and provide support wherever possible.

Our annual Essentials Diaper Drive serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for families in need. Through the collective efforts of our affiliates, partners, and supporters, we have been able to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. From providing diapers to shelters and transitional housing programs to offering support to local diaper banks, our impact resonates far beyond the confines of our organization.

I am continually inspired by the generosity and compassion displayed by our community during the Essentials Diaper Drive. Each donation, no matter how big or small, represents a gesture of kindness and solidarity with those facing adversity. Together, we are not only addressing a critical need but also fostering a sense of belonging and support for our neighbors in need.

As we embark on this year's Essentials Diaper Drive, I urge each and every one of you to join us in our mission. Whether it's by donating diapers, organizing a local drive, or spreading awareness within your community, your support can make a world of difference. Together, let's continue to build hope, dignity, and brighter futures for those in need.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our cause.

Warm regards,

Scott Larson CEO, HomeAid

2024 HomeAid Essential Drives Where You Can Still Get Involved!

To donate or get involved, click on the affiliate(s) near you for more information.

HomeAid Austin - May 12 - June 16
HomeAid Colorado - May 6 - May 24 - Distribution Day June 14
HomeAid National Capital Region - May 12 - June 16
HomeAid Northern California - May 23
HomeAid Orange County May 12 - June 7
HomeAid Orlando - May 14 - June 8
HomeAid Puget Sound - May 20 - June 7
HomeAid Utah - August 25

The following essential drives are completed for 2024 but to donate or for more info, click the affiliate below.

HomeAid Hawaii Breaks Ground on First Project for Maui Wildfire Survivors

HomeAid Hawaiʻi, The State of Hawaiʻi, County of Maui, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, and scores of community partners, broke ground in early May on a future 450-unit community that will provide housing for survivors of last year’s wildfires. The first residents are scheduled to move in in August 2024.

Thanks to everyone who joined us to mark this milestone and pave the way for a stable future for those still living in transition.

Governor Josh Green has announced the selection of HomeAid Hawaiʻi as the lead developer of the State’s interim housing project for Maui wildfire survivors, Ka Laʻi Ola.

Read more here:
https://lnkd.in/gHdhaZhA

HomeAid National Capital Region Completes Renovation that will Increase Services for Veterans

HomeAid National Capital Region recently hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the renovation of a 2,000-square-foot house for Operation Renewed Hope Foundation, an organization providing housing and supportive services to our Nation's homeless veterans and their families.

This project took on the challenge of renovating the home to allow Operation Renewed Hope Foundation to expand its operations and provide other critical services to people who have served in the Armed Forces. The work done inside the two-story home included increasing the number of bedrooms from three to five, increasing the number of bathrooms from 2.5 to 4.5, adding a kitchenette and egress, including a walk-out to the basement, and repainting and replacing flooring and appliances throughout the home.

An essential component of this project was adding a bedroom and bathroom to the home's first floor, making it more accessible and enabling a veteran with a physical disability to live more self-sufficiently.

Extended Exposure to the Summer Heat Can Pose Many Threats to those Experiencing Homelessness

As we begin to enter the summer months it is important to remember the significant dangers the heat can pose to those who are experiencing homelessness. A few of the major risks for people who have prolonged exposure to the elements due to a lack of shelter are:

Dehydration and Heatstroke - Prolonged exposure to heat without adequate hydration or shelter can result in heatstroke.
Sunburn and Skin Problems: Extended sun exposure and lack of access to clean water can exacerbate skin problems such as rashes and infections.
Limited Access to Cooling Centers: Cooling centers, which provide relief from the heat, may not be readily accessible to individuals experiencing homelessness due to various barriers such as transportation challenges, lack of awareness, or restrictions on entry. This leaves them with few options to escape the heat.
Increased Risk of Violence and Exploitation: Homeless individuals may seek shelter in unsafe environments or overcrowded spaces during extreme heat, increasing their vulnerability to violence, exploitation, and abuse.

In addition to working to provide dignified and safe housing for all, HomeAid Affiliates across the country have programs to collect and distribute necessary items such as water and personal hygiene items to those in need through HomeAid CareKits.

Click here for more information on HomeAid CareKits or to find an affiliate near you please visit Affiliates — HomeAid® | Building A Future Without Homelessness

A Big HomeAid Welcome To

Brian Diggs

HomeAid Utah

Executive Director

"Rough Sleepers" by Tracy Kidder

In "Rough Sleepers," Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder delivers a profound and empathetic exploration of homelessness through the lens of Dr. Jim O'Connell and his dedicated team at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. This compelling narrative offers a deep dive into the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness, often referred to as "rough sleepers," and the tireless efforts of those committed to providing them with healthcare and support.

Kidder's storytelling shines as he follows Dr. O'Connell, a physician who has devoted his career to caring for Boston's unhoused population. The book vividly depicts the daily challenges and systemic issues faced by those living on the streets, while also highlighting the humanity, resilience, and personal stories of the individuals O'Connell serves. Through his detailed and compassionate writing, Kidder brings to life the complex realities of homelessness, moving beyond statistics to show the personal struggles and triumphs of the people affected.

"Rough Sleepers" is not just a tribute to Dr. O'Connell and his team, but also a call to action. Kidder's narrative underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and sustained effort in addressing homelessness. He illustrates how Dr. O'Connell's approach—providing medical care directly on the streets and building trust with patients—makes a significant difference in the lives of homeless individuals.

The book's strength lies in its ability to humanize the issue of homelessness, portraying the rough sleepers not just as people in need, but as individuals with stories, hopes, and dreams. Kidder's meticulous research and engaging prose make "Rough Sleepers" an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the deeper facets of homelessness and the ongoing efforts to combat it.

HomeAid is proud to feature "Rough Sleepers" in our monthly newsletter as it aligns with our mission to raise awareness and foster compassion for those experiencing homelessness. Tracy Kidder’s insightful account encourages readers to look beyond the surface and recognize the dignity and humanity in every individual, reinforcing the critical need for comprehensive and compassionate solutions to homelessness.

Amazon.com: Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O'Connell's urgent mission to bring healing to homeless people eBook : Kidder, Tracy: Kindle Store

The HomeAid National Board of Directors Would Like to Welcome Our Newest Board Member

Anne Law

President

Homebuilders Services Division

First American Title Homebuilders Services

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