Ways for Builders to Aid Homeless, Affordability

Monacci: “We also arrange volunteer efforts such as care kits and “essentials” charity drives so that we are constantly addressing the issue of homelessness even in between shelter development projects.”

NEWPORT BEACH, CA— Homebuilders can construct moderately priced or affordable dwelling units under various county building programs to overcome high housing prices that are often a function of local land prices, John Monacci , EVP of Winchester Homes , a member of TRI Pointe Group , and a HomeAid America board member, tells GlobeSt.com. HomeAid America, a building-industry charity and one of the nation’s largest builders of housing for the homeless , recently added TRI Pointe to its corporate partnership program as a national sponsor. We spoke exclusively with Monacci about the alliance and ways homebuilders can help fight homelessness and help with housing affordability. GlobeSt.com: How did the alliance with HomeAid come about?   Monacci: TRI Pointe Group and its family of homebuilders have been supporters of HomeAid America for several years. Pardee Homes was a national sponsor of the organization for a number of years. I’ve been a member of the HomeAid America board for four years. TRI Pointe founders Doug Bauer, Tom Mitchell and Mike Grubbs have also been long involved with HomeAid on a local chapter level. As a result of this long-time support and working closely with HomeAid America’s CEO Peter Simons , in 2015 TRI Pointe decided to continue Pardee’s national sponsorship under the TRI Pointe Group name. GlobeSt.com: How important are these alliances in the housing industry?   Monacci: Causes like HomeAid allow industry companies to come together to give back to the community in a very meaningful and tangible way. It shows that homebuilders and their partners “have a heart” and can work together on a worthy cause. GlobeSt.com: What are other ways homebuilders can help in the fight against homelessness?  Monacci: HomeAid provides the best vehicle for homebuilders to address homelessness. We help identify the charities in their local communities working with the homeless and help them out by doing what we do best—build housing for them, and in this case, at a fraction of the cost, thanks to our in-kind contribution model. Our work with HomeAid provides a clearinghouse for builders looking for the best charities that help the homeless and make all the connections for them. We also arrange volunteer efforts such as care kits and “essentials” charity drives so that we are constantly addressing the issue of homelessness even in between shelter development projects. GlobeSt.com: Housing affordability is becoming a growing problem for many would-be homebuyers. How can homebuilders help meet buyers halfway? Monacci: Housing prices are often a function of local land prices. As builders, we help by building affordable housing such as moderately priced dwelling units or affordable dwelling unit programs under various local county building programs. In Winchester Homes’ case, upwards of 10% to 15% of our portfolio can be homes for sale within these programs here in the Washington, DC, marketplace.