In this issue:
HomeAid's November's Homelessness Awareness Month Focus
HomeAid Affiliate Recent Groundbreakings and Dedications
Winter Essential Drives Help Those in Need During Cold and Holiday Months
Focus on Indigenous People and Homelessness
HomeAid Launches Comprehensive Glossary of Terms for the Issue of Homelessness
Ways to Give - The Power of Individual Giving
Recommended Reading - The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell
HomeAid Colorado Featured in Builder & Developer
The 2025 Housing Market Outlook Breakfast is Selling Out, Register Now
HomeAid Sponsors
| |
Announcing Our Theme for Homelessness Awareness Month 2024
As we approach November, I am excited to share HomeAid’s theme for this year’s Homelessness Awareness Month: “The Full Story.” This theme was chosen to shine a light on the deeper, often untold narratives behind homelessness. Homelessness is not just about the visible absence of shelter—it is a story of people facing complex challenges, each with their own unique journey.
Throughout November, we will dive into the many factors that contribute to homelessness—economic hardship, mental health struggles, domestic violence, and the lack of affordable housing—and highlight the real stories of those affected. We want to move beyond the surface, helping everyone understand that each person experiencing or at risk of homelessness has a full story, one that deserves to be told, understood, and addressed with compassion.
Our goal is to raise awareness, educate, and inspire action. We invite you to participate in our campaign and engage through community activities, educational events, and opportunities to contribute to our mission both nationally and with HomeAid’s affiliates. Whether by volunteering, sharing stories on social media, or supporting our ongoing efforts financially, we need everyone to get involved.
Let’s work together to ensure that “The Full Story” of homelessness is heard loud and clear—and that we continue building towards a future where everyone has a place to call home.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement.
Scott Larson
CEO, HomeAid America
| |
| HomeAid Affiliates Start the Fall off Strong with Project Groundbreakings and Dedications
| |
HomeAid National Capital Region joined forces with Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia and L'Arche Greater Washington, DC (GWDC) to break ground on the Reeves Farmland project. This historic property in Arlington County will be preserved and transformed into a shared home for individuals with developmental disabilities. Thank you to Toll Brothers for taking the lead as the Builder Captain on this project.
HomeAid National Capital Region joined the Fairfax Presbyterian Church, Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia, and Homestretch, Inc. for the groundbreaking of the Glebe View Townhomes. Ten townhomes in total, eight homes to be sold to households through Habitat’s homebuyer program. The remaining two units will be sold to Homestretch, a nonprofit offering supportive housing to women and families exiting homelessness. HomeAid and Drees Homes will provide discounted site work and land development before construction.
HomeAid Sacramento and the incredible team at Lund Construction recently dedicated the transformation of a new dorm at the Children’s Receiving Home. The old carpet was removed and replaced with beautiful new floors, giving the space a fresh, modern look.
The dedication and attention to detail make this a beautiful, dignified, and vital space for shelter for children and a counselor.
HomeAid Sacramento and The Hills Group, who served as the Builder Captain, recently dedicated a renovation project at the WEAVE, Inc. Open House Shelter.
This project is dedicated to providing safe and supportive housing for those in need of leaving an abusive or dangerous relationship and needing somewhere to land. WEAVE offers Transitional Housing and Emergency Shelter to men, women, and children who need somewhere to go.
HomeAid Minnesota and Housing for Heroes program in partnership with Lennar Minnesota and MACV Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans. Dedicated 14th community build project providing a well-deserved, beautiful home to veterans while supporting their journey to independent housing.
| |
HomeAid Winter Essential Drives Offer Crucial Items to those in Need During the Cold and Holiday Months
The winter and holiday months can be particularly harsh for those experiencing homelessness in the United States. As temperatures drop, the lack of adequate shelter exposes individuals to the risk of hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses. Additionally, the holiday season, often associated with warmth and togetherness, can amplify feelings of isolation and despair for those without stable housing.
HomeAid Affiliates across the country work to ease the difficulties of the winter and holiday months for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, through essential drives for much-needed items such as food, blankets, socks, coats, gloves, and hats.
To find a HomeAid winter Essentials drive near you to help those most vulnerable click here.
| |
Bringing the Issue of Homelessness into Focus
Indigenous People and Homelessness
HomeAid’s work in addressing homelessness is especially important when considering the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities as homelessness disproportionately affects Indigenous peoples in the U.S., due to a range of historical and systemic factors. Indigenous people experience homelessness at significantly higher rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups. For example, in some cities and regions, Indigenous people are 3 to 8 times more likely to be homeless relative to their share of the population.
| |
HomeAid Launches Comprehensive Glossary of Homelessness Terms to Foster Awareness and Understanding
As part of our commitment to education and advocacy, HomeAid America is proud to announce the launch of a one-of-a-kind glossary of homelessness-related terms, now available on our website. This glossary offers a comprehensive guide to understanding the language and concepts that shape discussions about homelessness. It provides a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of this complex issue.
Created with both professionals and the general public in mind, the glossary includes key terms used in the field of homelessness services, public policy, and housing development. From “transitional housing” to “chronic homelessness,” each term is clearly defined and contextualized, ensuring that readers can engage in informed, thoughtful conversations about homelessness and the steps needed to address it.
This glossary is more than just a reference tool—it is an educational resource aimed at promoting a shared understanding of the challenges facing individuals and families experiencing homelessness. By equipping our community with this knowledge, we can break down stigmas, foster empathy, and better support those in need.
In recognition of Homelessness Awareness Month this November, HomeAid will also highlight key terms from the glossary on our website and social media channels. Our goal is to spotlight the most important concepts and bring greater visibility to the realities of homelessness in America.
We invite you to explore this new resource, share it with your networks, and join us in raising awareness and promoting meaningful change.
Visit the glossary today on HomeAid's website and join us in creating a more informed and compassionate future.
| |
The Power of Individual Giving: Supporting HomeAid's Mission
Individual giving is the cornerstone of HomeAid's mission. Your commitment and support are vital to our ongoing efforts to address homelessness. By donating, you are contributing financially and demonstrating your belief in a world where everyone has a safe and stable place to call home. Your generosity empowers us to continue providing essential housing solutions and services to those in need.
Did you know that in the United States, over 80% of nonprofit funding comes from individual donors? Your generosity is the driving force behind our mission. We strive to build long-lasting relationships with our supporters and encourage you to explore how you can make a difference.
Please reach out to Marisol Parand at mparand@homeaid.org with questions.
| |
|
The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell
The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell is a powerful collection of journal entries from high school students facing immense personal and social challenges, such as poverty, gang violence, and racial discrimination. Under the compassionate guidance of their teacher, Erin Gruwell, these students, many of whom had been written off by society found their voices through writing, transforming their lives and perspectives.
What makes this book so compelling is the raw honesty with which these young people share their experiences. Gruwell’s students, known as "The Freedom Writers," chronicled their struggles and triumphs, connecting their own lives to broader historical movements for justice and equality. By expressing their stories in a supportive environment, they discovered the power of education and empathy to transcend adversity.
This message resonates deeply with HomeAid’s mission to build new lives for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Much like the transformation seen in The Freedom Writers Diary, HomeAid believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to rise above their circumstances. Through the creation of safe, dignified housing and access to vital support services, we strive to provide the foundation for individuals and families to rebuild their lives, just as Erin Gruwell helped her students rebuild their futures through education and self-expression.
The Freedom Writers Diary reminds us of the strength that can be found in the community and the importance of providing a platform for voices that are often overlooked. It’s a testament to the idea that with support, encouragement, and opportunities, even the most difficult circumstances can be overcome. Just as Gruwell believed in her students, HomeAid believes in the potential of every individual to thrive when given the tools and resources they need.
We highly recommend The Freedom Writers Diary as an inspiring example of how compassion and empowerment can create lasting change—whether in the classroom or in the broader fight to end homelessness.
| |
|
|
|
|
