HomeAid Inland Empire Executive Director Julie Reay, working with HAIE Board Members Carlos Lopez of HMC Architects and Elishama Spicer of Pacific Utility Installation, Inc. represented the Chapter at the annual Builders For Babies event held at Angels Stadium in Anaheim.
Carlos and his team designed the "sculpture" that would serve as the display for HAIE's "Diaper Zone". The complex structure was a walk-through experience that replicated an ocean wave. And that presentation led to a "Mermaid dunk tank", where visitors could attempt to submerge our delightful mermaid - played by Board Member and all-around good sport Elishama Spicer.
Not only was Elishama costumed with a mermaid tail, shimmering top, and glittering star jewelry in her hair, but she had Pacific Utility Installation, Inc. provide the water truck that filled her watery mermaid home.
The successful event brought in over one million diapers, and raised awareness of the need for baby essentials throughout our communities.
HomeAid Inland Empire wishes to thank Carlos Lopez, his volunteers from HMC Architects, and Elishama Spicer of Pacific Utility Installation, Inc., along with their water tank driver, Brian, for assisting during this immense undertaking!

HomeAid Inland Empire Executive Director Julie Reay, along with Housing Development Director Ray Osborne, met with Central City Lutheran Mission Volunteer Coordinator Claire Sekafetz, and Drew Christian of Miken Construction, to discuss the ongoing progress of a residential home to be used in conjunction with the housing and training of homeless men in vocational and life skills. Wells Fargo volunteers have already contributed many hours to the initial rehabilitation of the structure.

HomeAid Inland Empire had one of their collection days for baby essentials this past week. Our supporters and volunteers helped collect and distribute the items to transitional living facilities throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
HAIE Executive Director Julie Reay, and "Essentials" Chairperson Renee Hunt-Moore of the Arrowheart Foundation, welcomed members of the BIA LOT team, volunteers from HMC Architects, Bank of America, LoanDepot, and Wells Fargo.
Big thanks go out to Lennar Homes for their support and use of model home garage for set-up and distribution.

HomeAid Inland Empire had their 13th Annual Trap Shoot and Builder Chili Cook-Off this past May 4th. Held at Redlands Shooting Park - where Olympic Gold Medalist Kim Rhode chose to train - a group of over 180 participated to raise awareness and funds for HomeAid Inland Empire.
Returning Honorary Chairman Sheriff Stan Sniff was on hand, as was Celebrity Guest Joe Mantegna, of "Criminal Minds" fame, and host of "Gun Stories".
Along with trophies for the top shooting teams, individuals, and Annie Oakley Competition winner; Chili Cook-Off and Favorite Cookie awards were presented.
HomeAid Inland Empire sends out a huge "thank you" to all of our Corporate Partners, Field and Food Sponsors, Trophy and Photo Sponsors, and raffle prize donors. And lastly, thank you to all who participated - purchasing shooting packages, buying raffle and 50/50 tickets, and our hard-working volunteers who spent countless hours preparing, setting up, and dismantling the entire operation!

HomeAid Inland Empire was on hand for the ​Project Independence Honor Home dedication ceremony in beautiful Murrieta. Rancho Damacitas Children & Family Services welcomed a huge group of supporters, including the main service provider of the project, Lennar. Along with the De Luz Women's Club, In-N-Out Burger Foundation, Murrieta Development, Inc., and Pechanga Resort & Casino, HomeAid Inland Empire were given a hearty "thank you" for their support, plus a beautiful plaque. More images of the event are on the HomeAid Inland Empire "Projects" page.

HomeAid Inland Empire Executive Director Julie Reay meets with CeeCee Curtis of First American Title, Sarai Garrett of Pulse Marketing, and Elishama Spicer of Pacific Utility Installation, Inc. at the HAIE offices, while Kim Hooper of Legacy Homes participates via phone.
After 2017's inaugural Champions Breakfast, we want to make the 2018 event even more successful.
Talk of who will be this year's honorees was... well, THAT'S A SECRET! The nomination process is being fine-tuned, and other details prepared. Definitely more to come...

Elishama Spicer of Pacific Utility Installation, Inc. came to the HomeAid Inland Empire offices for a meeting with HAIE Executive Director Julie Reay​, ​regarding the upcoming Essentials for Young Lives campaign. Also in attendance via conference call were HAIE Board Members Evelyn Hawkins of All Southern California Escrow, Inc., Renee Hunt-Moore of Arrowhead Credit Union, Carlos Lopez of HMC Architects, and Francine Wallace of Pulte Group. Elishama and Julie are shown next to collection boxes that become filled with diapers, wipes, and other baby essentials donated by supporters of our mission. 

Central City Lutheran Mission was the meeting place for discussion of improvements to multiple buildings to house those in need. Lots of plans and ideas were examined by a wide variety of talented individuals.
Among those present were HomeAid Inland Empire Board Members Carlos Lopez of HMC Architects, Dave Reynolds of Boudreau Pipeline, and Mike Dimitruk of Community Bank, along with HAIE Executive Director Julie Reay and Housing Development Director Ray Osborne. ​Brian Gridley of TR Design Group offered his expertise, as did Cesar Martinez of Wells Fargo. 

Six Cal Baptist University Nursing Students (plus instructor) met with HomeAid Inland Empire Executive Director Julie Reay to prepare 150 CareKits for distribution to those in need.
The CareKits are convenient drawstring backpacks that are easily kept in your vehicle for sharing. It's an opportunity to help those who may approach you at a freeway off-ramp, a turn-signal island, or in front of a retail store. Sometimes, and rightly so, it doesn't seem like money is the best option.
Each HomeAid Inland Empire CareKit has bottled water, a nutritious snack, clean socks, a rain poncho, survival blanket, hand warmers, soap, deodorant, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a 211 Card - Which can put the unsheltered person or family in touch with resources to house them, and provide additional meals & sanitary conditions. It's not just a handout, but a hand up.
The Cal Baptist Nursing volunteers and supporters of HomeAid Inland Empire are:
Instructor - Amanda Hollingsworth, MSN, RN
Justina Dreschler, SN, CBU
Celeste Merlin, SN, CBU
Miranda Allred, SN, CBU
Nicole San Martin, SN, CBU
Arley Garcia, SN, CBU
​Jennifer Ruiz, SN, CBU

HomeAid Inland Empire Executive Director Julie Reay is pictured with Harold Vandiver of All Southern California Escrow, Inc. and 1-2-3 HomeKeys. Harold, an important supporter of HAIE, wasn't able to attend the 2017 Champions Breakfast event last November, so Julie caught up with him at the 1-2-3 HomeKeys Agent Networking Meeting this past week in Pomona.