With both new and existing home sales on the rise in this booming economy, it would be easy to lose sight of the fact that owning a home or even living in one is an impossible dream for many people. The blight of homelessness and poverty is still an ugly reality, but Realtors and builders aren't looking the other way. They are helping families move from the streets and shelters into homes of their own through community service programs across the nation.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation recently dedicated its newest Habitat for Humanity home in Orlando, Fla. The realty giant's partnership with the charitable organization has strengthened through the building of more than 50 Habitat homes, in which Coldwell Banker provided the funding, and Habitat volunteers provided the labor. The home was presented to single parent Patricia Gordon and her four children during a Feb. 11th special ceremony.

Alex Periello, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker says, "Our company is dedicated and committed to helping families like the Gordons achieve the American dream of owning a new home."

Meanwhile, builders are taking an active role in providing multifamily housing opportunities for families transitioning from life in a shelter to economic autonomy. Members of the National Association of Home Builders are contributing to their communities in special programs through the organization's "Home Builders Care" program. HomeAid, an organizational outreach of local NAHB chapters, offers an opportunity for people to regain self-sufficiency in their lives.

At the Builders Show in Dallas, HomeAid's executive director Mike Lennon, said, "We don't just build homes, we build hope." He went on to recount some startling statistics.

Since 1990, approximately 7 million Americans have been without shelter during at least one point in their lives. On any night of the year, as many as 600,000 people sleep in the streets. Many of them are battered women and children or people who have lost their way and need help to return to a life of self-sufficiency. "Feeding and clothing in a shelter for a few nights doesn't solve the problem because that doesn't prepare them to care for themselves," Lennon continued. "These are people just like you and me. People usually become homeless for reasons that are beyond their control, and they can turn their lives around with a little help."

HomeAid works with agencies to expand existing facilities or build new ones. Builders, subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants of local chapters contribute labor, materials, and consulting services to the construction and remodeling of shelters. The agencies involved run the shelters. To date, HomeAid has completed 35 shelter projects that serve more than 10,000 homeless people at a cost of more than $11 million. Approximately 25,000 volunteers have donated more than 500,000 hours of service.

Published: March 3, 1998

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