My Nonprofit Reviews
Scott L.
Review for HomeAid National Capital Region, Chantilly, VA, USA
I am the executive director of HomeAid Orange County, the founding chapter of HomeAid. It has been exciting to see the growth of HomeAid Norther Virginia since its founding. The passion that they have to solve critical issues related to homelessness in their community has been amazing. In addition, their ability to recruit strategic members of the building industry to implement their vision has been great. All the chapters of HomeAid have learned a lot from this chapter and we with them the best in fulfilling their mission in ending homelessness in Northern Virginia.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
Review for FRIENDSHIP SHELTER INC, Laguna Beach, CA, USA
I count it as a privilege to provide Friendship Shelter with this letter as support.
Friendship Shelter, in Laguna Beach, Calif. originated as a grassroots program to provide temporary shelter and meals for the homeless. Since Friendship Shelter’s inception the organization has provided safe shelter, food, case management, counseling and life skills training to more than 5,000 homeless men and women with the mission to assist homeless adults to regain self-sufficiency and become more productive members of the community.
HomeAid Orange County’s history with Friendship Shelter began in 1990 with the renovation of their facility that proved to be a great start of a lengthy relationship. The organization formally started on the site of a former residential hotel built in 1938 and provided shelter for 18 homeless individuals. Now more than 20 years later Friendship Shelter’s original facility has expanded to provide a home for 31 homeless men and women. In addition, Friendship Shelter acquired and HomeAid facilitated the remodeling of adjacent apartment buildings in San Clemente, Calif. launching Henderson House Transitional Living with the capacity to provide housing for 25 residents.
Working with volunteers, HomeAid Orange County assisted the remodeling and enhancing Friendship Shelter’s Laguna Beach facility a few years ago to allow expansion of their 90-day Self-Sufficiency Program.
The Friendship Shelter housing development projects show how HomeAid Orange County working with the building industry has played a significant role in expanding the capacity of service provider partners to grow their programs to meet the needs of thousands of homeless individuals and families in Orange County.
In looking back over the over 20 years of our partnership, we are pleased in the knowledge that in some measure HomeAid has had a role in assisting Friendship Shelter with its efforts to end the cycle of homelessness for those who enter their system of care.
Thank you for giving us that opportunity!
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Orange County Rescue Mission, Inc., Tustin, CA, USA
As one of the county's strongest homeless advocates, HomeAid has not only been instrumental in building buildings to house its homeless neighbors, but counts it a privilege to have played a significant role in expanding the capacity of its service provider partners. A sterling example of this synergy has been the partnership of HomeAid Orange County with the Orange County Rescue Mission as a united force working together to change lives.
We know that often you have individuals and supporters ask about our partnership. I hope that as you share the following information with others, they will catch the vision of what we’ve accomplished together and will in turn be a part of the story of the Orange County Rescue Mission.
Hope Family Housing El Modena was one of the first five HomeAid projects in 1989. The success of this development led to a strong relationship with the building industry leaders and the mission of the Orange County Rescue Mission. El Modena serves families that have graduated from transitional housing and are ready to take the next step toward independence. Residents take part in a lightly structured program and are required to pay rent, a stipulation that helps them to begin establishing credit as they continue moving toward self-sufficiency.
In 1992, the House of Hope, a home serving homeless women and their children, was the largest HomeAid housing development at that time. Because of the horse power of HomeAid’s builders and the excellence each brought to the table, the House of Hope became the epitome of homeless housing. When people are drawn together for a common cause the competitive nature disappears and in its place comes a spirit of cooperation - that in this case - defines the brilliance of not only the building industry's contributions, but of the HomeAid Orange County partnership model with the Orange County Rescue Mission.
House of Hope residents - ranging from ages 18-50 - have their own bedroom and bath and share a 'great room' living area and large kitchen. Clients stay between 12 and 18 months; share tasks; and are required to be a part of their own recovery. Since House of Hope opened its doors over 12 years ago, more than a 1000 residents have improved their lives, thanks to the collective hearts of those who care.
Located on 5 acres on Red Hill near Barranca Street in Tustin, the Village of Hope is a 130,000 square-foot facility and is HomeAid’s largest development to date. The complex is comprised of two new buildings and two renovated
barracks. "Building B," consisting of 40,000 square feet, housing a kitchen; dining areas; a donation intake warehouse; and provide support office space designed to serve as the nucleus for the site. "Building A" is comprised of an 8,000 square-foot chapel/auditorium. Additionally, the top floor renovation of the existing barracks provide living quarters for homeless men, women and children in configurations of single and family spaces, while the lower floors will accommodate medical offices, dental offices and vocational training.
In an effort to make a difference in the lives of those in need, the City of Buena Park made the decision to take an assertive hands on role to become part of the solution of the homeless challenges facing its community. Dedicated earlier this year, Hope Family Housing Buena Park provides 16 townhouse units and a manager's apartment each finished with a private courtyard, laundry and garage. Two separate areas include a village green, a play area and landscaped grounds, along with a multi-purpose community room that will provide space for recreation, education and resident programs including job training, counseling and other services -including life skills training- that will assist residents with their transition back into mainstream society. This $5.4 million development is a shining example of our partnership model successfully working together for the common good.
In looking back over the nearly 20 years of our partnership, we are pleased in the knowledge that in some measure HomeAid has had a significant role in assisting the Rescue Mission with its efforts to attend to the least the last and the lost in our community.
Thank you for giving us that opportunity!
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Marys Shelter, Santa Ana, CA, USA
I count it as a privilege to provide Mary’s Shelter with this letter as support.
For nearly twenty years, Mary’s Shelter has been providing the necessary opportunities for pregnant minors to build a future. Established in 1994, Mary’s Shelter has provided shelter for pregnant minors and their babies where each girl receives extensive pre-natal care, medical assistance, vocational training, and counseling all in a loving home environment. Instruction about independent living skills, personal hygiene, cooking, budgeting, homemaking, to accessing community resources, are all a part of the educational experiences that are provided for the minors.
HomeAid Orange County’s history with Mary’s Shelter began in 1995 with the design and entitlement of a new campus with two primary buildings. The new main house is a 4,800 square foot facility, which houses 12 pregnant minors during the duration of their pregnancy. This beautiful new facility was built with guidance of HomeAid Orange County’s builder captain, California Pacific Homes (Cal Pac). Under Cal Pac’s leadership, more than 150 companies teamed up to donate labor, materials, and consulting services; providing nearly the entire cost of the project.
Located on the same site is Mary’s Shelter transition house. This home, also built by HomeAid, Cal Pac and various subcontractors, was dedicated in the spring of 1997. With the completion of the new main house, this facility converted into a shelter for teenage mothers and their infants. This transitional house provides up to an additional 18 months of shelter and program support for the girls and their babies who so not yet have a long term housing opportunity.
HomeAid continues to support Mary’s Shelter each year with program services through its community outreach programs such as the Essentials for Young Lives program.
The Mary’s Shelter projects show how HomeAid Orange County working with the building industry has played a significant role in expanding the capacity of service provider partners to grow their programs to meet the needs critical needs of homeless individuals and families in Orange County.
In looking back over the nearly 20 years of our partnership, we are pleased in the knowledge that in some measure HomeAid has had a role in assisting Mary’s Shelter with its efforts to create a better future for those who enter their system of care.
Thank you for giving us that opportunity!
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for INTERVAL HOUSE, Seal Beach, CA, USA
I count it as a privilege to provide Interval House with this letter as support.
For over three decades, Interval House has been a place for healing and growth…for support and guidance…a bridge to a new life for thousands of women and children who are the victims of domestic violence. Their comprehensive services combine: Emergency and Transitional housing – Outreach Centers, providing a wide range of counseling and programs in over 70 different languages. Their mission remains to provide a full range of counseling, support and sheltering services to desperate, battered women and children and to address the critical issues of domestic violence by educating our communities-at-large to recognize the crime of domestic violence (including teen dating violence) and the way domestic violence affects each and everyone of us.
HomeAid Orange County’s history with Interval House began in 1989 with the renovation of a modest single family dwelling that proved to be a great start of a lengthy relationship. This led to not only a second remodel of another home in the community but to an extensive remodel and significant expansion of the original house a decade later in 2000. HomeAid continues to support Interval House each year with program services through its community outreach programs such as the Essentials for Young Lives program.
The Interval House projects show how HomeAid Orange County working with the building industry has played a significant role in expanding the capacity of service provider partners to grow their programs to meet the needs of thousands of homeless individuals and families in Orange County.
In looking back over the over 20 years of our partnership, we are pleased in the knowledge that in some measure HomeAid has had a role in assisting Interval House with its efforts to end the cycle of domestic violence for those who enter their system of care.
Thank you for giving us that opportunity!
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Boys Hope Girls Hope, Irvine, CA, USA
I count it as a privilege to provide Boys Hope Girls Hope with this letter as support.
Boys Hope Girls Hope is a non-profit agency that provides a family–style, non-institutional home environment for at risk children who are academically capable and show great promise. In addition to providing a stable home, the organization helps these determined children realize their full potential and achieve their dream by giving each of them a quality private education through college. The success of Boys Hope Girls Hope is based upon the organization’s belief that children who have stable, happy and permanent home lives are much more likely to succeed in school and adulthood.
As one of the county's strongest homeless advocates, HomeAid has not only been instrumental in building buildings to house its homeless neighbors, but counts it a privilege to have played a part in expanding the capacity of its service provider partners. A sterling example of this synergy has been the partnership of HomeAid Orange County with Boys Hope Girls Hope as a united force working together to change lives.
HomeAid Orange County initially recruited the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) and successfully remodeled the 3,226 square-foot girls’ home for Boys Hope Girls Hope In Fullerton, CA shortly after its acquisition. Thirteen years later the American Society of Interior Designers Orange County Chapter’s 2010 Community Services Committee joined with NAWIC and HomeAid again to lead a “make-over” of the home along with more than 100 individuals and companies who donated their time and resources to enhance the home with new lighting, furniture, paint, upgrades in the kitchen, dining room and renovated bathrooms.
In looking back over the nearly 15 years of our partnership, we are pleased in the knowledge that in some measure HomeAid has had a role in assisting Boys Hope Girls Hope with its efforts of providing a better future for those who enter their system of care.
Thank you for giving us that opportunity!
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Review for Precious Life Shelter Inc, Los Alamitos, CA, USA
I count it as a privilege to provide Precious Life Shelter with this letter as support.
Founded in 1989 Precious Life has grown to provide a three phase program: Emergency, Transitional, and Single Parent Efficiency (SPE). HomeAid is proud to have partnered with Precious Life Shelter expanding their capacity to serve homeless pregnant women by building four projects for their three programs. HomeAid’s fourth project supports an extension of the SPE program – reunification. At this stage mothers are working to meet specific program, court and social services requirements in order to move toward family reunification.
HomeAid Orange County’s history with Precious Life Shelter began in 1992. Builder Captain Southwest Diversified and JZMK Partners (the architect for all four projects) renovated existing structures which now provide emergency shelter for homeless pregnant women and a thrift store. In 1997 Warmington Homes helped continue their growth by leading the new construction of a two-story five unit building. The facility provides women and their newborns in the SPE program individual apartments to live in while they receive job training and work towards self-reliance. The third project led by Builder Captain Centex Homes was completed in 2001. JZMK Partners skillfully designed a multi-purpose building that provides secure living accommodations for mothers-to-be in the Transitional program.
Empire Homes built an over 5,600 square feet project valued at $1.2 million. It involved the demolition of two existing structures and new construction of two, two-story buildings providing five apartments including both one and two bedroom units. Additionally, there is an office, a new childcare facility and garages.
In total the Precious Life Shelter projects value over $3.7 million showing HomeAid Orange County working with the building industry has played a significant role in expanding the capacity of service provider partners to grow their programs to meet the needs of thousands of homeless individuals and families in Orange County.
In looking back over the nearly 20 years of our partnership, we are pleased in the knowledge that in some measure HomeAid has had a role in assisting Precious Life with its efforts to end the cycle of homelessness for those who enter their system of care.
Thank you for giving us that opportunity!
More Feedback
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Families Forward, Irvine, CA, USA
I count it as a privilege to provide Families Forward with this letter as support.
As one of the county's strongest homeless advocates, HomeAid has not only been instrumental in building buildings to house its homeless neighbors, but counts it a privilege to have played a part in expanding the capacity of its service provider partners. A sterling example of this synergy has been the partnership of HomeAid Orange County with Families Forward as a united force working together to change lives.
HomeAid Orange County’s initial pilot project was with Families Forward with the renovation of two farmhouses to serve homeless families. These two modest farm houses proved to be the start of the growth of Families Forward to be one of the premier homeless service agencies in Orange County. The vision and purpose of Families Forward is strong and effective and we have been honored to have been a part of the story.
In looking back over the nearly 20 years of our partnership, we are pleased in the knowledge that in some measure HomeAid has had a role in assisting Families Forward with its efforts to end the cycle of homelessness for those who enter their system of care.
Thank you for giving us that opportunity!
More Feedback
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service, Fullerton, CA, USA
I count it as a privilege to provide Pathways of Hope (formerly known as Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service) with this letter as support.
As one of the county's strongest homeless advocates, HomeAid has not only been instrumental in building buildings to house its homeless neighbors, but counts it a privilege to have played a part in expanding the capacity of its service provider partners. A sterling example of this synergy has been the partnership of HomeAid Orange County with Pathways of Hope as a united force working together to change lives.
HomeAid Orange County has worked with Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service on two prior developments adding to their capacity to serve homeless families. HomeAid Orange County is currently involved in the development of 8 units for Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service that will be under construction in the next few months. In addition, HomeAid is assisting in the rehabilitation of a newly acquired 10 unit apartment building in the City of Anaheim.
We have seen that each time HomeAid has invested in Pathways of Hope that the organization has grown and has had a greater impact in the community. The vision and purpose of Pathways of Hope is strong and effective and we have been honored to have been a part of the story.
In looking back over the nearly 20 years of our partnership, we are pleased in the knowledge that in some measure HomeAid has had a significant role in assisting Mercy House with its efforts to end the cycle of homelessness for those who enter their system of care.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Lauras House, Ladera Ranch, CA, USA
As one of the county's strongest homeless advocates, HomeAid has not only been instrumental in building buildings to house its homeless neighbors, but counts it a privilege to have played a part in expanding the capacity of its service provider partners. A sterling example of this synergy has been the partnership of HomeAid Orange County with Laura’s House as a united force working together to change lives.
We have seen that each time HomeAid has invested in Laura’s House that the organization has grown and has had a greater impact in the community. The vision and purpose of Laura’s House is strong and effective and we have been honored to have been a part of the story of Laura’s House.
In looking back over the nearly 18 years of our partnership, we are pleased in the knowledge that in some measure HomeAid has had a significant role in assisting Laura’s House with its efforts to end the cycle of domestic violence for those who enter their system of care.
Thank you for giving us that opportunity!
Scott Larson Executive Director HomeAid Orange County
More Feedback
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Mercy House Living Centers, Santa Ana, CA, USA
I count it as a privilege to provide Mercy House with this letter as support.
As one of the county's strongest homeless advocates, HomeAid has not only been instrumental in building buildings to house its homeless neighbors, but counts it a privilege to have played a part in expanding the capacity of its service provider partners. A sterling example of this synergy has been the partnership of HomeAid Orange County with Mercy House as a united force working together to change lives.
We have seen that each time HomeAid has invested in Mercy House that the organization has grown and has had a greater impact in the community. The vision and purpose of Mercy House is strong and effective and we have been honored to have been a part of the story of Mercy House.
Regina House was HomeAid’s first collaboration with Mercy House. The renovation of two existing homes provided shelter for seven mothers and their children. Dedicated in 1994, Regina House enables families to maintain residency for up to a year while working and pursuing higher education with the ultimate goal to lead independent and self-sufficient lives.
With the mission to be the leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing alternatives, programs and supportive services, Mercy House researched the need for housing for people living with HIV/AIDS. HomeAid joined with John Laing Homes to build Emmanuel House. The facility was dedicated in 2001 and has the capacity to provide shelter and services for 21 men and women living with HIV/AIDS.
Although a family or individual may, successfully, complete Mercy House’s 6 to 24 month transitional housing program they still may not be able to afford housing in our county. To help graduates maintain housing and promote continued self-sufficiency HomeAid worked with Lennar Homes to build San Miguel Residence. The nine-unit affordable housing facility with ongoing supportive services was dedicated in 2005.
The city of Santa Ana recognized there is still a great need for affordable housing. With Mercy House’s successful 19 year history as a service provider for homeless families and individuals, the city of Santa Ana’s intent is to donate land for the construction of Frances Xavier. HomeAid will again collaborate with Mercy House to build 12 units on a 15,000 square foot lot.
In addition to HomeAid Orange County’s direct involvement in the housing developments above, it has been great to see the growth of Mercy House in numerous other areas to meet the needs of our community. This has been seen with the Mercy House Center -- a walk in center to meet immediate needs, Joseph House for single men, the development of a full continuum of care in the City of Ontario and most recently the successful operation of the Cold Weather Armory Program for the County of Orange with a family redirection program – a first of its kind for Orange County.
In looking back at over 20 years of our partnership, we are pleased in the knowledge that in some measure HomeAid has had a significant role in assisting Mercy House with its efforts to end the cycle of homelessness for those who enter their system of care.
Thank you for giving us that opportunity!
More Feedback
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Review for Lauras House, Ladera Ranch, CA, USA
HomeAid Orange County has been proud to be a partner with Laura's House in the development of their facilities service victims of domestic violence. Over the last 15 years, we've seen countless women and children served and look forward to the next 15 years of the new facility serving even more.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Building their capacity to serve more women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Allow more opportunities for people to serve through the new buildings being built.
Review for HomeAid America Inc, Irvine, CA, USA
HomeAid America has been a tremendous asset for its 20 chapters across the United States. Their ability to provide technical expertise along with strategic relationships has allowed not only chapters to get started but has allowed them to grow and implement their local shelter development program. As an executive director of one of the local chapters, HomeAid America is a vital resource for us all and has been critical for our success in providing housing for the homeless in our community. Scott Larson
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the development of HomeAid Orange County's shelter development program.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
seek more opportunties for others to support and be involved in providing housing for the homeless through HomeAid America and its chapters across the country.
