HomeAid Inland Empire Pledges Continued Support for Service Providers and Transitionally Homeless

    RIVERSIDE, CA July 24, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When it comes to individuals and families who are temporarily homeless in the Inland Empire, the numbers are rising, and so too is the continuing support of HomeAid Inland Empire (http://www.homeaidie.org) whose mission is to provide dignified transitional housing for this growing population.

Many of the recipients of these services are not the stereotype of yesterdays downtrodden, which has often been that of a disheveled man plagued by demons such as alcohol or mental illness. That image fails to reflect the growing reality of those in need today, those men, women and children who have been affected by today's severe economic crises. Increasing unemployment, poverty and the lack of affordable housing have all contributed to the changing face of homelessness in the Inland Empire.

As various non-profit shelter providers struggle to find the funds to expand their operations or complete expansion of their facilities to meet the growing need for transitional housing, they often turn to HomeAid Inland Empire, a local chapter of HomeAid America (http://www.homeaid.org).

HomeAid Inland Empire is one of 22 chapters throughout the nation. HomeAid partners with non-profit shelters by helping them meet their expansion needs in a cost-effective manner. This is done by combining the labor of volunteers from the home building industry with cash and material donations from industry and non-industry donors, thereby doubling, and often tripling, the value of each donation given. HomeAid is generally able to build or expand a shelter at a 50 to 60 percent savings to the shelter provider.

"The current need to provide temporary housing for families in the Inland Empire is growing, and continues to elevate in direct correlation to the state of the economy, making our mission even more important," said John Adams, president of the HomeAid Inland Empire Board of Directors. "With unemployment and the cost of affordable housing for the homeless rising, service care providers face a daunting task. Our mission remains steadfast as we continue to build and maintain dignified housing where transitionally homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. We rely on key members of the building industry, and supportive members of the community who, despite their own challenges, still wholeheartedly support HomeAid and recognize the value of our services."

The backbone of HomeAid Inland Empire comes from its alliance with the three Building Industry Association chapters in the area. When a local non-profit needs to expand or renovate their facilities to help more clients, they contact HomeAid to coordinate their building or renovation project. HomeAid recruits a 'Builder Captain' company who will coordinate the efforts of their trades to provide volunteers and donate needed materials. Typical projects include domestic violence shelters, abused children's homes or residential facilities for homeless families. The end result means a local non-profit can accommodate more clients who find themselves in a transitional situation. HomeAid celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

"Hundreds of lives continue to be transformed and communities are improved because homebuilders and their trade partners give their time, skills and assets to provide services to local non-profit organizations," said Adams. "The support and dedication of participating trades and suppliers has helped care providers in the Inland Empire fulfill their missions to help those hurt by circumstance."

HomeAid Inland Empire is currently working on several shelter projects including the addition of 15,000 square feet and 80 beds at Veronica's Home of Mercy in San Bernardino; and a 5,900 square foot intake center and emergency shelter at Mercy House in Ontario, and a restoration project at Olive Crest Inland Community Children's Ranch in Perris. The organization recently completed the construction of four 3,200 square foot homes in the first phase of development at the Olive Crest Children's Center in Coachella under the direction of Family Development, the builder captain. To date, 19 shelters have been built or renovated by HomeAid Inland Empire.

Participation in HomeAid Inland Empire is not limited to those in the building industry. Donations to HomeAid provide a way for individuals to help those in need achieve and maintain a dignified way of life now, and into the future.

For more information about HomeAid Inland Empire or to find out how you can donate or volunteer, call (951) 686-0628 or email [email protected]. Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/homeaidie.

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