Building Homes,
Building Hope.
The History of HomeAid®
Get a firsthand, timeline view of HomeAid’s journey from local program to national movement.
HomeAid was founded in 1989 initially with a three-fold purpose:
As a vehicle through which members of the building industry could give back to the communities in which they operate by doing what they do best – housing.
As a way to contribute to the well-being of their neighbors, the members of their communities who are in need of assistance that are experiencing homelessness or are “at risk” of homelessness.
As a means of creating sustained positive recognition for the local building community.
HomeAid’s ultimate purpose is to facilitate, through local HomeAid Affiliates, the construction or renovation of physical facilities on behalf of charitable organizations (“Service Providers”) that provide housing and assistance to those experiencing homelessness.
HomeAid was specifically created to utilize the talents and expertise of the building industry, in collaboration with community partners, for a worthy community purpose. HomeAid America was created for the purpose of establishing new HomeAid Affiliates throughout the country and assisting existing Affiliates in carrying out the HomeAid Mission. Each Affiliate is responsible for implementing and maintaining the HomeAid Program in their local territory.
During the 1980s, most urban areas in the United States experienced a substantial increase in the number of families and individuals experiencing homelessness.
To address the tragic and widespread problem of homelessness, the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California (“BIAOC”) initiated a program under the name of “HomeAid” to assist established charities, or Service Providers, dedicated to serving those experiencing homelessness.
1988
Pilot Project: Irvine Farmhouses
Irvine Farmhouses for Families Forward (formerly Irvine Temporary Housing)
In March 1988, the City of Irvine and Irvine Company deliberates over the future of two abandoned farmhouses located at Sand Canyon and Burt roads. Irvine Company subsequently agrees to donate the farmhouses and land for transitional housing. Irvine City Council unanimously approves demolition and renovation plans in July. The Building Industry Association of Orange County leads the extensive renovation project. Irvine Farmhouses for Families Forward are completed in November and residents begin moving in by December.
Tim Galvin writes the “concept letter” to BIA/SC board president, Ron Saienni, outlining the concept of a building industry outreach to build shelters for the homeless and casting the vision for HomeAid.
“• HomeAid Orange County is incorporated on June 12, 1989. Founding board members include L.C. “Bob” Albertson Jr. (serving as President), Michael Lennon (serving as Executive Director), Bart Hanson, Jay Blakslee, Tim Galvin, and Julie Brinkerhoff-Jacobs. Ron DeFelice drafts the initial corporate documents. Donna Hahn and others lead the marketing efforts and creation of the initial HomeAid logo.
• HomeAid, Inc. was established. HomeAid, Inc. registered certain trademarks, including the name “HomeAid” and the HomeAid logo.
• HomeAid Orange County identifies the first five projects, one in each of the five county supervisorial districts.
• First Completed Project – Anchor House in San Clemente, CA.
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“• HomeAid identifies the second round of five projects in the five supervisorial districts in Orange County.
• Kris Kristofferson helps to raise $40,000 at the first HomeAid fundraiser.
• HomeAid San Bernardino is founded and completes their first project.
• HomeAid Los Angeles/Ventura is founded.”
In June 1989, the Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC) formally created a California nonprofit corporation to implement the HomeAid Program in the county of Orange and then in 1990 encompassing the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside. [BIASC is a local Affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders (“NAHB”). In other areas of the country, the local Affiliates of the NAHB assume a variety of different names.] This corporation was known as “HomeAid, Inc.”. HomeAid, Inc. registered certain trademarks, including the name “HomeAid” and the HomeAid logo.
As a result of publicity about the success in Southern California, HomeAid began to receive requests for assistance in organizing similar programs in other areas. In response to these requests, HomeAid America, Inc. was established in 1995, with the purpose of fostering the formation of additional HomeAid organizations throughout the nation. The HomeAid organizations then operating in Southern California became “Affiliates” of HomeAid America.
“• HomeAid initiates Homeless Awareness Week from November 9-16.
• Early fundraising events include HomeAid Hoedown at Crazy Horse Saloon, Run Roll Walk-a-thon, Run For Cover, Harleys for the Homeless, Fashion Shows, and HomeAid Hop.”
“• HomeAid Orange County, William Lyon Homes, Standard Pacific, Warmington Homes, and Metro Companies begin working on House of Hope, a landmark facility for women and children.
• HomeAid Orange County inaugurates Project Playhouse, a fundraising campaign that highlights the craftsmanship and imagination of Southern California’s top home builders and architects by creating playhouses that are auctioned off to support shelter development. ”
1993
Aragon Affordable Housing (established by HomeAid leadership), Shawntana Development, and McCormick Baron Salazar develop the Irvine Inn, a 192-unit single room occupancy 100% affordable housing project.
“• Four Completed Projects by HomeAid Orange County including the landmark facility, the House of Hope”
“• HomeAid Orange County begins construction on Village of Hope (Orange County Rescue Mission) on the former Tustin Marine Air Corp Base.
• HomeAid receives requests for assistance in organizing community outreach programs, duplicating the work of HomeAid Orange County, HomeAid Los Angeles/Ventura and
HomeAid San Bernardino, and the foundation was laid for HomeAid America’s strategic expansion efforts.
• HomeAid Inc. became HomeAid America and was founded by the leadership of HomeAid Orange County with L.C. “Bob” Albertson as President and Mike Lennon as Chief Executive Officer.
• HomeAid Chicago becomes the first Affiliate outside of California.
• HomeAid Riverside is founded.”
Each Affiliate is associated with HomeAid America through a Charter & License agreement.
HomeAid America is responsible for establishing new Affiliates, for providing supportive services to its Affiliates, for conducting national fundraising campaigns, and for managing all aspects of the national office. The Affiliates are responsible for running the day-to-day operations associated with identifying and managing their housing development projects.
“• The Los Angeles Times spotlights the HomeAid program in a landmark piece called “Hammering Out Shelter.”
• HomeAid Sacramento is founded.”
“• The HomeAid Handbook is created to provide the model for HomeAid Affiliate replication across the country.”
1998
Steve Hester is appointed President of HomeAid Orange County, succeeding founding board president L. C. “Bob” Albertson.
HomeAid America, under the leadership of L.C. “Bob” Albertson and Mike Lennon, officially launches as an independent national program thanks to the success and support of HomeAid Orange County.
“• HomeAid Northern California is founded.
• HomeAid Colorado opens as a state model, with housing developments to be completed in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Grand Junction.”
“• HomeAid Riverside unites with builder captains Beazer Homes, Forecast Homes, Richmond American Homes, William Lyon Homes, Oltman’s Construction, and R.D. Olson to construct four 3,000-square-foot residential homes, a gymnasium, and an educational center in 12 days. The result was Inland Community Children’s Ranch for abused homeless children.
• Wells Fargo Housing Foundation enters into a three-year, $1.15 million partnership with HomeAid America to establish more HomeAid Affiliates.”
2001
Project Playhouse breaks auction records with highest bid on a playhouse reaching $75,000.
HomeAid Orange County receives Big Heart award from Henry and Susan Samueli of the Samueli Foundation.
Pirate’s Hideaway Playhouse
HomeAid opens on the east coast with HomeAid Northern Virginia (now HomeAid National Capital Region) and HomeAid Atlanta.
HomeAid San Diego is founded and became the seventh Affiliate in California.
HomeAid America opens a branch office in the Washington, D.C. area.
The first HomeAid Quilt is crafted from art created by children living in eight HomeAid shelter projects.
HomeAid America leads a community coalition to launch Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week and introduced Project Safety Net to local schools.
HomeAid Seattle (now HomeAid Puget Sound) is founded.
HomeAid Northern Virginia (now HomeAid National Capital Region) is founded.
HomeAid Colorado completes its first development, the Discovery Home for Denver Children’s Home for 8 youth.
HomeAid Colorado’s first development project, the Discovery Home for Denver Children’s Home.
2002
HomeAid Orange County receives national Mutual of America Award in New York City for collaborative work in ending homelessness.
HomeAid Orange County receives Dove Award from Human Options.
HomeAid San Bernardino and HomeAid Riverside merge to become HomeAid Inland Empire.
HomeAid welcomes new Affiliates in Houston, Southeastern Michigan, and Central Massachusetts.
HomeAid’s annual Essentials Diaper Drive is established in Atlanta to help meet the growing needs of families experiencing homelessness.
“• HomeAid Orange County begins its first permanent supportive housing project with the San Miguel Residences for Mercy House in Santa Ana, CA.
• HomeAid establishes two new Affiliates in Portland, Oregon, and Southern Nevada in the Las Vegas area.
• HomeAid America begins the first of five Extreme Makeover projects. ”
“• HomeAid Orange County receives the Tribute to Excellence award from BIAOC celebrating its 15th anniversary.
• HomeAid builds its 100th project nationally and serves the 50,000 person experiencing homelessness nationwide, reaching two major milestones in the organization’s growth. ”
“• In the wake of hurricanes Rita and Katrina, HomeAid partners with Ameriquest Mortgage Company and its Affiliates through a $3 million donation, the organization’s largest ever donation, to jointly establish the Gulf Coast Rebuilding Fund. ”
“• HomeAid Orange County receives the Peter Hartman Award for Innovation from the Children and Families Commission of Orange County for its housing development program.
• HomeAid dedicates the rebuilt New Orleans Mission Family Center, the First LEED-registered housing in New Orleans post-Katrina.
• HomeAid launches its national Project Playhouse event in New York City on CBS “The Early Show,” featuring an American Girl-built home by Pardee Homes. In October, the national event tour ends at the National Building Museum, where a sustainable “green” playhouse will be on display for years to come.
• HomeAid Houston launches its first annual Project Playhouse in partnership with the Houston Astros.”
2008
HomeAid Essentials launches in Orange County.
HomeAid Orange County receives Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders Award.
HomeAid Orange County along with its volunteers receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their work on the Village of Hope for the Orange County Rescue Mission.
In June, HomeAid conducts its National Project Playhouse event in association with American Girl® for the launch of its "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl" movie. Kit Kittredge-themed playhouses are displayed in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York to raise awareness about children's homelessness (a theme in the movie), then auctioned or raffled to raise funds to support HomeAid's mission.
In October, HomeAid reaches another growth milestone, having served 100,000 people and opening the 170th housing facility.
2009
HomeAid celebrates its 20th Anniversary!
2010
HomeAid Inland Empire inaugurates "Full Bellies, Warm Hearts," providing a day of fun, food, and needed supplies to prepare homeless children to go back to school in style.
2011
Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens became honorary chair for the Essentials for Young Lives Drive.
HomeAid Orange County and HomeAid Sacremento launch the annual Essentials Drive at California State Capitol in Sacramento.
HomeAid Sacramento completes the Senior Safe House for Volunteers of America, the only safe house for seniors west of the Mississippi (pictured to the left).
2012
Project Playhouse celebrates 20 years of success, raising over $6,000,000 to end homelessness!
2013
HomeAid Orange County enters into $6.25 million Catalytic Investment with First 5 Orange County (Children and Families Commission of Orange County) to develop 80 units of emergency housing for families.
John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting performs benefit concert for HomeAid America.
Homelessness Awareness Month is launched.
HomeAid Colorado is named Outstanding Service Organization at the National Philanthropy Association Awards for housing of female veterans.
HomeAid Houston receives an award from Mayor Annise Parker, naming July 23, 2013 “HomeAid Houston Day.
2014
HomeAid Orange County launches its CareKit outreach program.
HomeAid Orange County begins a strategic partnership with the Michael Chang Family Foundation through the annual Michael Chang Tennis Classic.
HomeAid celebrates its 25th Anniversary!
HomeAid implements the National Homelessness Awareness Month campaign to be held annually during the month of November.
2015
HomeAid Orange County purchases a property on Citrus Street in the city of Orange for the Family CareCenter, the first property HomeAid has owned.
Builders for Babies is launched and collects over 1 million diapers for the Essentials Diaper Drive.
HomeAid Orange County is a beneficiary of funds from the 19th annual Stars and Stripes Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
HomeAid Sacramento completes HomeAid’s 600th Project
HomeAid Puget Sound is founded, broadening the reach of HomeAid Seattle.
HomeAid Hawaii is founded.
HomeAid Twin Cities (now HomeAid Minnesota) is founded.
2016
HomeAid Orange County launches a $5 million capital campaign for the HomeAid Family CareCenter.
The Family CareCenter is approved by right utilizing SB2 for the first time in Orange County.
HomeAid Orange County partners with Our Father's Table, The Sisters of St. Joseph and the Catholic Diocese of Orange County to establish the Homeless Person’s Interreligious Memorial Service held on December 21st of each year, modeled after the National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day established in 1990 by the National Coalition for the Homeless.
HomeAid Essentials campaign launches nationwide.
2017
HomeAid Orange County receives a $1 million “Transformational” gift from the Pacific Life Foundation for the Family CareCenter.
HomeAid Orange County receives the “Non-profit of the Year Award” for the California 37th Senatorial District from John M.W. Moorlach.
BuildAid was established by HomeAid Houston in the weeks following Hurricane Harvey to harness the strength, buying power, and expertise of the GHBA builders and remodelers to provide remodeling and restoration services to people in the community who may not have another way to recover. Since Hurricane Harvey, 153 homes have been completed, 79 homes are in progress, and 9 homes are projected to begin.
“• The Family CareCenter receives the Outstanding Planning Award from APAOC.
• HomeAid Orange County partners with Camp4Kids and YMCA Camp E.L.K. to send children to summer camp from partner agencies.
• HomeAid Austin is founded.
• HomeAid Utah is founded.
• HomeAid reaches milestone of housing 330,000 people nationwide.
• HomeAid Los Angeles completes a recuperative care facility for National Health Foundation.
• 2018 Impact Projects: 40 / Value: $11+ million / In Kind %: 41% / Beds Created: 394 / Sq. Ft built: 221,791”
“• Essentials Drive has collected over 10 million items over the last 10 years.
• HomeAid celebrates its 30th Anniversary!
• HomeAid launches HomeAid WORKS with the Lennar Foundation, a workforce development program that provides construction-related technical education to those in need of meaningful work at a livable wage.
• HomeAid Orange County, HomeAid Colorado, and HomeAid Utah all host the Builders for Babies event on June 21st.
• HomeAid Phoenix is founded.
• HomeAid completes the 875th Project.
• HomeAid Orlando is founded.
• 2019 Impact Projects: 40 / Value: $12+ million / In Kind %: 28% / Beds Created: 409 / Sq. Ft built: 149,584”
“• HomeAid Orlando completes its first development, an expansion of a food pantry for One Heart Ministries allowing them to be prepared for the need of the unexpected pandemic that was about to unfold.
• HomeAid Northern California dedicates its first tiny homes built in a “mobile pop-up” factory for Hayward First Presbyterian Church.
• HomeAid Austin dedicates its first “tiny home” for Mobile Loaves and Fishes Community First Village.
• HomeAid Puget Sound dedicates Shoreline for Vision House
• HomeAid America issues its Statement on Structural Racism and Racial Inequity.
• 2020 Impact Projects: 43 / Value: $9+ million / In Kind %: 40% / Beds Created: 613 / Sq. Ft built: 106,454”
“• HomeAid Hawaii dedicates Kama’oku, a 37-unit permanent housing community serving veterans and others experiencing homelessness. This is their first kauhale.
• HomeAid launches its new brand, mission, vision and core values.
• 2021 Impact Projects: 60 / Value: $42+ million / In Kind %: 8% / Beds Created: 900 / Sq. Ft built: 240,520”
Vision Statement
HomeAid’s vision is to be a vital force in creating safe and dignified housing and programmatic facilities for those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Mission Statement
HomeAid’s mission is to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement, and education.
Our Core Values
Inclusiveness: Valuing that every individual has worth and human dignity through a willingness to help our neighbors in times of need and to understand the unique stories behind each individual we serve.
Collaboration: Embracing working together as a community to achieve what is not possible alone.
Integrity: Ensuring that everything we do is accomplished with a sense of responsibility, honesty, respect, confidence, and a commitment to stay consistently aligned with our mission.
“• HomeAid Family CareCenter celebrates its 5 year anniversary where 335 (1,324 people) in crisis have been lifted off the streets and into a safe environment. 90% of them have moved on to their next housing opportunity.
• HomeAid Utah launches Candlelight Villas for the Food and Care Coalition, a 72 permanent supportive housing community.
• HomeAid Houston launches the Hope Center, a dental clinic for those at risk and experiencing homelessness.
• HomeAid Northern Virginia expands and becomes HomeAid National Capital Region.
• HomeAid Puget Sound is reestablished as a HomeAid Affiliate.
• 2022 Impact Projects: 72 / Value: $4+ million / In Kind %: 72% / Beds Created: 561 / Sq. Ft built: 241,159”
“• HomeAid Affiliates Across the Country Distributed 3.6 Million Diapers and Over 2.4 Million Baby Wipes in 2023 to Families in Need.
• HomeAid and HomeAid Hawaii created the Maui Housing Initiative Fund in response to the tragic Maui wildfires in August.
• HomeAid Phoenix celebrates the opening of the newly completed pet companion shelter room expansion and dog park at Sojourner Center.
• HomeAid San Diego WORKS program has completed 5 cohorts, graduated 49 students and helping 22 of them secure full-time employment with San Diego area construction companies.
• 2023 Impact Projects: 104 / Value: $9+ million / Beds Created: 666 / Sq. Ft built: 113,474”
The story continues
with you.
Our community is an integral part of our story and ongoing efforts to build a future without homelessness. By supporting HomeAid through construction, community engagement, and education, you can become a vital participant in the ongoing journey towards a future without homelessness.