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Scott Larson is changing the landscape – literally and figuratively – in Orange County. He is the Executive Director of HomeAid Orange County, a community based movement whose mission is to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. Homelessness in Orange County is a growing concern despite our sunny location and TV portrayals as a land of plenty. The numbers tell the story: more than 35,000 people annually experience a homeless episode in Orange County, often the result of sudden job loss, catastrophic illness, spousal desertion and domestic violence. Families and children represent 65% of the homeless population, and on any given night, there are approximately 24,000 parents and children without homes in Orange County. Perhaps most alarming of all is the fact that of approximately 13,000 homeless children, more than 4,000 are between zero and five years old. Yet, only 68 emergency and traditional shelters exist, providing a mere 3,400 beds. And so Scott Larson plays the role of matchmaker. He brings together community service organizations in need of help; the designers, builders, architects and other skilled professionals who can best meet an organization’s specific needs; financial backers; and government officials who can help navigate the sometimes dizzying bureaucracy of building a housing project. He doesn’t just take one from column A and one from column B, put them in a room and hope everyone gets along and works well together. He gives team composition a lot of thought, and based on almost a quarter century of experience, assembles and motivates a group he is confident will get the job done. He understands instinctively how to match a builder’s talents with a specific project. Beyond matching just the technical skills to a project’s physical needs, Scott knows which builders will “bond” emotionally with which agencies, bringing the added benefit of personal commitment to the success of each project. Once a plan is crafted, Scott and his talented and devoted team at HomeAid make sure everyone does their part to make the vision a reality. No aspect of a project escapes his attention. Scott works directly with each of HomeAid’s builder and service provider development teams assisting with the design development, construction and fundraising until each project is completed. This involves every phase of development from land acquisition, to funding, to design, to entitlements, to construction, to interior design and landscaping. Scott’s network is one of the most extensive in Orange County, including more than 25 non-profit organizations serving the homeless, approximately 2,500 members of the Building Industry Association (BIA), and hundreds of community leaders, government officials and local volunteers. Together, they make projects like the Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope a reality. Today the Village of Hope in Tustin provides a 192-bed transitional housing program for homeless men, women and children, along with a Children’s Dream Center. They offer a comprehensive array of services including spiritual and personal development; case management and counseling; medical and dental care; workforce development and computer training center; food and dining; child development; transportation; and recreation. One of the strongest and most mutually beneficial relationships Scott has developed is with the Children and Families Commission of Orange County (CFCOC). When the Commission was writing its strategic plan 10 years ago, Scott took the lead in educating members about the homeless problem in Orange County, and how Proposition 10 funds could support and strengthen homeless families. As a result, the Commission has provided much-need Proposition 10 funds for both the construction of housing projects and ongoing operations of the non-profits organizations for which projects are developed. Describing it as “a great partnership,” Scott is straightforward about its importance to HomeAid’s work: “The programs funded by Proposition 10 fill gaps in the system and provide critical services otherwise not offered. The needs of many of the children served by Proposition 10 funding would go neglected or be greatly diminished if these local funds were eliminated.” Scott confesses to having a special interest in the kids. He speaks passionately about the need to give them “a good start in life. “I can’t guarantee what will happen down the road,” he says, “but I strongly believe your home is where your story begins. It is vital children have a stable, safe and secure home to begin their lives.” Scott knows his work will never be “done,” and admits to being concerned about being able to meet all of the needs of the service providers who come to him for help. But his answer to that is to work a little harder every day – using his extraordinary talents to create and motivate exactly the right teams to provide what his community needs. Nothing makes him happier than to drive by what was once a vacant lot, and see quality housing and other facilities for families in need. And if’s lucky, he can watch some kids playing. Says Scott, “Hearing those kids laugh, and knowing HomeAid was able to make that possible, is what it’s all about.” |
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