Orange County non-profit organization “HomeAid” held a charity auction last Saturday (October 5th) to celebrate its 35th anniversary and raise funds for building housing for the homeless. California’s homelessness crisis has yet to be resolved, with Governor Newsom investing over $40 billion in affordable housing construction and another $27 billion to tackle the homeless issue since taking office. Non-profit organizations like HomeAid aim to assist builders in ending homelessness locally.
HomeAid has 18 branches across the U.S., with Gina Cunningham, the executive director of the Orange County branch, stating, “We have many upcoming projects to provide housing for families, seniors, transitional youth, young adults aged 18-24 transitioning from foster care, pregnant individuals without support, including renovating hotels.”
Last year, the Building Industry Association celebrated its centennial, and Cunningham expressed gratitude to builders for unveiling playhouses at HomeAid’s 35th anniversary. She emphasized the power of collective effort in creating positive outcomes. “Five builders designed outdoor structures of different styles, including three playhouses for children, a doghouse, an outdoor suite, and other auction items,” Cunningham said. “Approximately 250 people purchased tickets to help us fund housing construction.”
Prior to the auction, Steve Cederquist, an actor, director, producer, writer, and building contractor, remarked, “One significant issue California faces is the homelessness crisis, and I hope we can raise high bids today.” The playhouses showcased that day were specially designed and unique from what people usually see in stores. As a judge, Cederquist noted, “Each playhouse is distinct, providing different experiences. Walking through the Barbie dollhouse with my wife was really cool. Imagine having a playhouse in your backyard, how awesome!”
Jared Hendricks, the Vice President of Procurement at residential builder “City Ventures,” introduced the “Dream House”: “Our team of about 10 individuals voted to build a Barbie doll playhouse. We updated the classic Barbie dollhouse from the movies, with features like LED lights flashing to music, AI design, a fully functional vanity, a loft requiring stairs to access, and even a photo booth.”
“Hendricks mentioned, “Participants donated building materials, time, and labor, so it was a zero-cost donation to HomeAid, then auctioned off by them.” He expressed his gratitude for everyone’s contributions. “In the five building competition that day, the “Dream House” secured the first place.
Playhouses typically measure 8×10 feet. Allison Warrell from “Shea Homes” introduced the “Charm House” as a craftsman-style playhouse with an amazing kitchen sink and video games. “We built playhouses from 2006 to 2012, then took a 12-year break, and now it’s back,” Warrell said. “Everyone involved contributed to building high-quality playhouses.” She was responsible for coordinating industry professionals and transporting building materials to the site, looking forward to seeing the final auction results.
Michael Battaglia, Vice President of the Southern California division of the residential builder “New Home” and a member of HomeAid’s board, stated, “Our company’s operational area covers the entire Southern California from the San Gabriel Mountains in the north to San Diego County in the south, from the Inland Empire to Orange County in the west.” He said, “We built a ‘Surf Shack,’ a theme conceived by the employees, with the entire department participating, making you feel like living on Orange County’s beach.”
Battaglia mentioned the company’s desire to build valuable items for auction to raise funds for HomeAid, calling it a worthy endeavor. “My family has always supported HomeAid, including volunteering at shelters. We all support ending homelessness in Orange County.”
Each of the three playhouses was auctioned off for $20,000 to $25,000, with some sparking bidding wars. At the end of July, the Homemaker Family Care Center, operated and renovated by HomeAid, reopened with 64 beds for the homeless. Since 1989, HomeAid has completed 77 emergency, temporary, and affordable housing projects in Orange County, adding 2,502 beds to the county.