Homeless Services Nonprofit to Host Fundraiser

In an effort to battle the ongoing homelessness crisis in Los Angeles, HomeAid LA will host its fourth annual fundraising gala, “An Evening Under the Stars,” on Thursday, October 10, at 5 p.m. in Playa Vista.

Presided by Marquez Knolls resident Erik Pfahler, HomeAid LA is the local branch of a national nonprofit organization that aims to provide building materials and services to other organizations who build shelter and facilities for the homeless.

“HomeAid focuses on three homeless initiatives: shelter building, education and care/outreach projects,” Pfahler explained. “With our primary focus on building shelter beds for well-run private transitional shelter operators, we also partner with groups like Molina Health Care to deliver over 3,000 care packages to local shelters and are in the process of partnering with Volunteers of America to launch a workforce training program aimed at training at-risk veterans to work in the construction industry.”

Incorporated in October 2016, this “charity of choice” for the home-building industry operates by securing material and in-kind donations from “builders and contractors while also providing insurance for the project, saving the service provider an average of 35-50% on construction costs,” according to a spokesperson for HomeAid LA.

Made up of volunteers, the board of directors seeks out formidable organizations to work with, including the Volunteers of America, Long Beach Rescue Mission and the Women’s Shelter of Long Beach.

“This is an issue that affects all of us—it shouldn’t just be limited to the building industry,” Pfahler said in an interview with the Palisadian-Post.

“I think one of the things that makes us unique is that we’re on the ground,” he continued. “You’re going to get direct results from what we do. What you’re donating is going to a group that is going to directly affect your neighborhood in LA.”

The gala committee is chaired by Michael Bray, a private wealth mortagage banker and construction loan specialist, with U.S. Bank in Pacific Palisades.

Tickets to “An Evening Under the Stars,” which will take place at The CenterPointe Club, include a night of food, live music and a silent auction. Proceeds from the event will go toward helping HomeAid LA expand its services.

“It’s a super fun event, you’re not just assigned some table,” Pfahler said. “You’re really putting your money to good use.”

To purchase tickets or donate, go to homeaidla.org.