Inside HomeAid Inland Empire’s partnerships and projects
Across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, the need for accessible housing and supportive services continues to grow. As the new Executive Director of HomeAid Inland Empire (HAIE), I am honored to help lead an organization that brings together builders, trade partners, service providers, donors and volunteers to create meaningful solutions for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
My background in nonprofit leadership, program development, organizational leadership and child welfare advocacy has shown me that housing is more than shelter; it is a foundation for safety, opportunity and long-term well-being.
That experience led me to advocate for housing initiatives, pursue funding opportunities and help develop transitional housing programs in partnership with cities, counties and nonprofit organizations. HAIE’s role is to help transform community concern into action by connecting service providers with building industry partners who can help bring essential projects to life.
Several important projects are moving forward in the coming months through the generous support of builders, trade partners, volunteers and community partners.
Inland Valley Hope Partners has long empowered people in need by providing food, shelter and supportive services to the surrounding community. Its shelter, which provides emergency housing for families experiencing homelessness, has needed a kitchen renovation for several years. Thanks to HAIE’s partners, the full cost of the renovation will be donated, allowing this essential project to move forward and better serve families in crisis.
An innovative partnership with Crest Community Church and Olive Crest has led to a plan to develop cottages that will provide transitional housing for youth leaving the child welfare system and for vulnerable families at risk of homelessness. Construction of this project is expected to begin this fall on church-owned land. HAIE is supporting the project by engaging trade partners to donate labor and materials. When completed in summer 2027, the cottages will offer housing, supportive services, life-skills development, volunteer connections and a long-term safety net for children and families.
Project TOUCH, Together Our Unity Conquers Homelessness, has served vulnerable people for more than 20 years.
With support from local cities and the county, the organization has begun developing a much-needed shelter in the region. HAIE is proud to partner on this multi-phase project, which will ultimately provide emergency and transitional housing for seniors, veterans, single parents and families rebuilding their lives through the provision of housing, supportive services and life-skills programs.
In addition to these building projects, HAIE will continue raising awareness about homelessness throughout the fall by collecting hygiene items and assembling care bags for individuals and families at risk of homelessness. This effort will begin with HAIE’s participation in Temecula Together, a community-wide day of service that reflects what is possible when communities come together to serve one another.
At its heart, HAIE’s work is about more than construction. It is about building hope, strengthening community connections and creating pathways to stability for those who need them most. Through the generosity, compassion and commitment of HAIE supporters, we can continue working together to end homelessness in the Inland Empire.
By Sue Evans. She is the Executive Director for HomeAid Inland Empire. To learn more or to get involved, please visit www.homeaidie.org
This story is featured in our October issue of Builder and Developer. Read the print version here.
