HomeAid to Build Housing for 50,000 Homeless

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif - HomeAid, a leading national non-profit provider of housing for today’s homeless, announced the opening of its 21st nationwide chapter in the state of Michigan. Adopting a statewide model, the new chapter will be named HomeAid Michigan, and, through the generous support of the Michigan Association of Home Builders and its members, it will build housing facilities for the state’s homeless population, which -- according to a recent report released at the First Annual Michigan Homeless Summit in October 2006 -- has grown to more than 50,000 families and individuals.


The report details that 56 percent of the homeless population is adults and children in families, with single mothers and children being the fastest-growing sub-population. Housing issues were cited by half of family respondents as the leading cause for their homelessness, with employment issues accounting for another 30 percent. For the tens of thousands of people who need a temporary place to live while they resolve their housing or employment issues, HomeAid Michigan will work with its building industry partners to build housing facilities that are donated to service providers who serve the homeless in communities across the state.

“We are excited to be part of the HomeAid family because it brings out the very best in our membership by enabling them to do what they do best: build housing and give back to our community,” said Robert Filka, chief executive officer, Michigan Association of Home Builders. “Sometimes, a builder or trade partner may not be able to donate money, but they can certainly give their time, expertise, and resources, and the HomeAid model does a terrific job of harnessing that giving spirit in our members for a very worthy cause.”

“Because of the giving by builders and their trade partners, HomeAid is able to multiply the effect of each cash dollar that we receive two- to three-fold, generating a high return on investment,” said Genette Eaton, chief executive officer of HomeAid. “The end result is that we are very efficient in building beds for and giving hope to those in need, as well as helping communities across the U.S. cope with their rising homeless populations.”

According to Eaton, donations from the organization’s partners were instrumental in the founding of HomeAid Michigan. A generous grant over three years from Masco Corporation Foundation will fund chapter operations. Established by Masco in 1952 and based in Michigan, Masco Corporation Foundation’s primary philanthropic focus places an emphasis on support to non-profit arts, cultural and housing-related initiatives.

“Masco’s Foundation is proud to be a partner in support of bringing HomeAid to Michigan. We are pleased to help revitalize communities by providing financial and in-kind product support to non-profit organizations that promote decent housing environments for disadvantaged, low-income families,” said Melonie Colaianne, president, Masco Corporation Foundation. “HomeAid has a strong track record of working with local builders, service providers and community leaders to build housing that enables homeless individuals and families to get back on their feet after a life circumstance has rendered them without a home.”

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is a leading advocate for the state’s homeless and was instrumental in forming HomeAid Michigan. “We are finding there are homeless individuals and families in every part of the state, and our response must be delivered in the same manner, regardless of whether it is Detroit, Kalamazoo or the Upper Peninsula,” said MSHDA executive director Michael R. DeVos. “On a positive note, Michigan is the only state in the country where all of its communities are committed to end homelessness, with a 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness announced in each of state’s 83 counties. We expect HomeAid Michigan will play a critical role in the implementation of many of those plans.”

Through its program in Michigan, the Corporation for Supportive Housing will partner with HomeAid Michigan to bring a community-based planning approach to address homelessness across the state. “Through our partnerships with MSHDA, and numerous state and local government agencies, we can help HomeAid Michigan with capacity building by introducing it to local community leaders, homeless advocates, service providers and other contacts that will speed the identification of building projects,” said Lisa Chapman, Michigan program director at Corporation for Supportive Housing Michigan (CSH Michigan).

Based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Pulte Homes, a FORTUNE 200 company, will have its local operations, Pulte Homes of Michigan, serve as the builder captain on HomeAid Michigan’s first project, a to-be-determined homeless housing facility located in the Detroit area. “We are really excited about this opportunity to give back to the community and are honored to be selected to play such a critical role in the success of HomeAid here in Michigan,” said Steve Atchison, president of Pulte Homes of Michigan.