When HomeAid Inland Empire Executive Director Julie Reay recently made a trip to Reliable Lumber in Riverside to coordinate the dispersion of diapers and wipes from the annual "Essentials for Young Lives" event, she met with Riley Richards of Reliable Lumber, where she presented Riley a certificate for their generous donation of materials to renovate the Central City Lutheran Mission Job-Training House in San Bernardino.
Not only has Reliable Lumber been a supporter of HomeAid Inland Empire's building and renovation projects; Their expansive facility has graciously housed "Essentials for Young Lives" supplies for distribution... pallets of diapers in various sizes, baby wipes... anything they are asked to store. The yard foreman, forklift drivers, pallet wrappers, and truck drivers all help to serve HomeAid Inland Empire's needs when it comes to the apportion of baby essentials.
Thank you Reliable Lumber!

Double-whammy! The Central City Lutheran Mission Job-Training House is complete, and ground is broken for the CCLM Emergency Shelter Dormitory for Men in San Bernardino. You'll be hearing from HomeAid Inland Empire about all of the trade partners and companies that contributed to this amazing project in a future blog posting.

Loading up the truck (4 across and 12-15 deep) with backpacks and school supplies for delivery to Valley Restart Shelter in Hemet. Tuesday's stop will also include the truck's 8-foot bed full of food, courtesy of Stater Bros. in Hemet. After we deliver the food to VRS - it's back to the Stater Bros. for another truckload of food for delivery to Veronica's Home of Mercy in San Bernardino.
Then this Saturday, July 28, it will be the 2018 "Full Bellies, Warm Hearts" event in Hemet. The kids will receive the backpacks full of school supplies, plus there will be gift cards for clothing and shoes. Food, entertainers, a petting zoo, and lots more will be happening.
And then the following Saturday, August 4, "Full Bellies, Warm Hearts" happens all over again in San Bernardino!

Debra Johnson of the Milgard Windows & Doors manufacturing facility in Temecula has been instrumental in the acquisition of windows needed to help HomeAid Inland Empire renovate a house on the Central City Lutheran Mission campus in San Bernardino.
The project is in its final stages, and the eleven windows donated by Milgard help to ensure an energy efficient and secure living space.

Once again, Bank of America has generously granted HomeAid Inland Empire a $5000 donation. HomeAid Inland Empire Executive Director Julie Reay was at the check presentation that included Bank of America's Inland Empire Market President Alfred Arguello and Vice President, Community Relations Manager Cathy Paredes at one of their Riverside branches.

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.