In this issue:
HomeAid's 2025 Annual Report is Here
HomeAid America Launches National Podcast on Homelessness Issue
HomeAid Affiliates Impact Communities with More Completed Projects this Summer
HomeAid America Staff on the Road this Summer
Ways to Give - Your Gifts Equal a Foundation for the Future
Term of the Month: Neurodivergent
Recommended Reading: Someone Builds the Dream by Lisa Wheeler and Loren Long
Builder and Developer - HomeAid Phoenix
HomeAid & Zonda Host Annual Housing Market Outlook Breakfast in November
HomeAid Partners
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HomeAid’s 2025 Annual Report is Here
I’m excited to share that HomeAid’s 2025 Annual Report is now available!
The past year was marked by milestones and momentum. We launched HomeAid North Texas in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, worked with HomeAid Atlanta to become HomeAid Georgia to serve and expand throughout the entire state of Georgia, and began laying the groundwork for HomeAid Delaware Valley. We celebrated incredible generosity at the Toll Brothers 31st Annual Gala, which raised more than $1.2 million in one night, and witnessed a special moment in HomeAid history when HomeAid founder, Mike Lennon, cut the ribbon at the HomeAid Orange County | Los Angeles dedication of the La Veta Village project in Orange County.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our staff, the vision of our affiliate leaders and their teams, the generosity of our partners, and the steadfast leadership of our Board of Directors, especially our Board Chair, Jeff Roos, whose advocacy and personal commitment have opened countless doors for HomeAid nationwide.
I invite you to read the full report to see the projects, partnerships, and people that made 2024 and the first half of 2025 so extraordinary. Together, we are building more than housing; we are building hope, dignity, and opportunity for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
With gratitude,
Scott Larson, CEO, HomeAid America
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HomeAid America Launches National Podcast for Deeper Understanding of Homelessness Issue
Unsheltered Conversations is HomeAid America’s national podcast hosted by Chief Executive Officer, Scott Larson.
This production aims to humanize the issue of homelessness by exploring the real stories, relationships, and responses that offer hope and solutions. Through candid interviews with builders, advocates, nonprofit leaders, people with lived experience, and authors, the podcast elevates the voices shaping the future of housing and belonging in our country.
Each episode will explore a specific aspect of homelessness or housing insecurity, inviting listeners to gain a deeper understanding of the issue and their role in finding a solution.
Unsheltered Conversations will be published on Tuesdays, two to three times a month, on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. Please click the button below to view all episodes of HomeAid’s new podcast.
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HomeAid Affiliates Impact Communities with More Completed Projects this Summer
HomeAid Minnesota and the Housing First Minnesota Foundation celebrated the completion of the Elevate Hope House project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in late July.
This new home, built for young mothers and their children experiencing housing instability, represents a fresh start and a brighter future. In partnership with the Spring Lake Park Schools Construction Trades program, students gained hands-on experience while helping to create safe and stable housing. This model empowers both today’s families and tomorrow’s industry leaders.
A special thank-you to Lennar Minnesota for its leadership in land development and site preparation.
HomeAid Southern Nevada recently completed a renovation of an empty classroom at Bertha Ronzone Elementary School, turning it into an on-site food pantry. As a Title I school, many students require additional support to meet their basic needs beyond the classroom. The food pantry will provide consistent access to nutritious food and household essentials for students and families in need.
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HomeAid America Staff have been on the road this summer.
Reflections on the 2025 Southeastern Building Conference
By: Robin Arnett, Chief Expansion Officer, HomeAid America
I had the distinct pleasure of attending the 2025 Southeastern Building Conference (SEBC) alongside HomeAid Orlando's Executive Director, Russ Beyer, and Operations Manager, Annamae Kacsandi. The energy at this year’s event was palpable—from the opening moments to the final minutes of the trade show floor on Friday afternoon, attendees remained actively engaged, connecting with exhibitors and each other.
SEBC proved to be an incredibly meaningful experience for both HomeAid Orlando and HomeAid America. These events offer so much more than just visibility—they serve as a powerful platform to amplify our mission, build new relationships, and lay the groundwork for future opportunities.
One of the greatest benefits of attending trade shows like SEBC is the ability to increase awareness of HomeAid’s mission to help end homelessness through housing and outreach. When these events are located within an affiliate's region, there’s an added layer of impact—we often see an increase in local engagement, whether through volunteer recruitment, in-kind donations, sponsorship opportunities, or new partnerships.
Please click here to read the full Article.
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Building Hope in Texas: HomeAid at the Sunbelt Builders Show
By: Lynn Tadlock, Finance Manager, HomeAid America
At HomeAid America, we know that building better lives for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness starts with the power of community, especially the building community. That’s why attending industry trade shows like the Sunbelt Builders Show in Grapevine, TX is more than just networking; it's an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, spark new ideas, and amplify our mission.
This year’s Sunbelt Builders Show was a vibrant gathering of industry leaders, suppliers, and innovators—and it was our pleasure to be part of it, representing HomeAid America and our newest affiliate, HomeAid North Texas with Executive Director, Scott Sheppard.
The energy at the show was contagious. From powerful conversations to exciting opportunities for collaboration, it was clear that the home building industry is deeply committed to giving back. We were thrilled to reconnect with some of our valued national partners, including:
- 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
- MSI
- Sherwin Williams
- Burgess Construction Consultants
Please click here to read the full Article.
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Your Gifts Build a Foundation for the Future
As we enter the final months of the year, your support is more crucial than ever. We believe everyone deserves a safe and dignified place to call home, and your gift today provides the foundation for our mission. By partnering with the building industry, we transform raw materials and professional expertise into dignified housing and facilities for those in need. Every dollar you give is a vital investment in our work, helping us to construct and renovate spaces that provide shelter, stability, and a new beginning. Your contribution now helps us finish the year strong and start the new one with purpose.
This quarter, there are several effective ways to make a meaningful impact. For our corporate and industry partners, consider securing a sponsorship for a future event to showcase your leadership while fueling our mission, or join our network with a targeted in-kind donation of materials or services. HomeAid’s model is uniquely effective, leveraging your generosity and our industry relationships to transfer an average of 41% in construction cost savings back to our partner agencies. By giving in the quarter, you are not just donating; you are building a legacy of change.
r more information, please get in touch with Marisol Parand, HomeAid’s Chief Development Officer, at mparand@homeaid.org.
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Term of the Month:
Neurodivergent
Neurodivergent refers to differences in mental or neurological functions from what is considered typical, often related to autistic spectrum disorders; not neurotypical.
HomeAid has undertaken several projects that support this group, as they can frequently be at risk of homelessness.
Examples of neurodivergent conditions include, besides autism: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia, Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders, and sensory processing issues.
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Someone Builds the Dream by
Lisa Wheeler and Loren Long
As students, teachers, and families prepare for the new school year, Someone Builds the Dream by Lisa Wheeler, with illustrations by Loren Long, is the perfect book to spark conversations about teamwork, skilled trades, and the power of bringing ideas to life. This beautifully illustrated, lyrical picture book celebrates the often-unsung heroes who turn concepts into reality—from engineers and architects to welders, plumbers, and builders.
Told in engaging rhyme and accompanied by vibrant, inclusive illustrations, the story highlights that no dream becomes reality without many hands and talents working together. Whether constructing a bridge, designing a park, or building a home, Wheeler’s text and Long’s illustrations remind us that behind every structure we see is a community of dedicated individuals making it happen.
A Perfect Parallel to HomeAid’s Mission
At HomeAid, our mission is to build new lives for individuals and families experiencing homelessness through construction, community engagement, and education. Much like in Someone Builds the Dream, our projects begin with a vision and are brought to life by the skilled trades, builders, suppliers, and volunteers who make up the backbone of our work. The book’s message mirrors the reality of HomeAid projects, where architects, engineers, tradespeople, and industry partners come together to create safe, dignified housing that changes lives.
Connection to HomeAid WORKS
This story also ties directly to HomeAid’s WORKS program, which equips individuals exiting homelessness with job skills and connections to careers in the building industry. The book’s acknowledgment of every role, visible or behind-the-scenes, mirrors our commitment to showcasing the value and dignity of skilled labor. By fostering pathways into construction and related trades, we not only help individuals rebuild their own futures but also ensure that the “dream” of creating homes for others can continue.
Why It’s a Great Back-to-School Pick
Someone Builds the Dream is an excellent back-to-school read for families and educators:
- For Families: It’s a springboard to discuss the various careers and roles that contribute to building our communities, inspiring children to value teamwork and diverse talents.
- For Educators: It offers opportunities for classroom activities around community helpers, STEM topics, and creative projects, such as designing “dream” spaces and mapping out who would help bring them to life.
- For Volunteers & Supporters: It’s a reminder that every contribution, whether swinging a hammer, donating materials, or supporting outreach, plays a vital role in changing lives.
In Closing
Someone Builds the Dream is more than just a charming children’s book; it’s a celebration of the collaborative spirit that fuels both the building industry and HomeAid’s mission. It’s an inspiring reminder for young and old alike that together, we can turn visions into reality and ensure everyone has a place to call home.
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