A Los Angeles Chapter of HomeAid America, a national non-profit provider of housing for homeless families and individuals for 27 years, has been established in partnership with the Building Industry Association of Southern California—Los Angeles/Ventura Chapter (BIA –LAV), with whom HomeAid LA will share offices. BIA-LAV CEO Tim Piasky agrees the timing is good.
"There is a great need to address now the rising homeless population in L.A., and the building industry wants to give back to our community by doing what we do best: build housing. We are proud to support HomeAid LA and look forward to uniting our efforts to build housing for care providers helping those experiencing homelessness in our region," he says.
It is estimated that 50,000 people are living on the streets of Los Angeles. The mayor recently declared a state of emergency, and the city government continues to pursue various approaches to try to stem the tide. This makes it an opportune time for the building industry's leading charity fighting homelessness to join the effort.
"We are thrilled to be active in L.A. helping homeless families and individuals on behalf of the building industry," says Peter Simons, CEO of HomeAid America. "HomeAid has a long history and successful track record of enabling the building industry to give back effectively to local communities by building and rehabilitating housing for organizations helping families and individuals experiencing homelessness. HomeAid has been active in Southern California since its creation in 1989 and has created thousands of new beds for charities working in this area."
The HomeAid LA Chapter will be operated locally under the direction of a local board of directors, chaired initially by Sandra Stewart, a partner at the Cox Castle Nicholson law firm. HomeAid LA's Board of Directors includes executives from powerhouse industry players such as KB Home, Lennar Homes, CalAtlantic Homes, Shea Homes, Brookfield Residential, TRI Pointe/Pardee Homes, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Fidelity Title Group, Kennedy Wilson/Meyers Research, and others. HomeAid LA is receiving its initial financial support from funding from HomeAid America and a grant from the Lennar Charitable Housing Foundation.