Shirley LeGrand, Emmanuel House Graduate The Building Industry Association's dedication to serving others through its charitable outreach HomeAid Orange County has garnered rewards beyond the wildest expectations of those who started the ball rolling in 1989 when the first shelter development was built in Irvine, California. After 16 years in business HomeAid has become the largest provider of homeless shelters in the county, and now with the expansion of HomeAid America - the organization now totaling 32 chapters serving homeless men women and children - has become the largest provider in the nation! These numbers are impressive, but in the final analysis statistics like these are attached to thousands of real people who without HomeAid's contributions would likely not have been able to make significant strides in their lives and the lives of their children. Shirley LeGrand is just one such HomeAid shelter resident whose life has been forever altered. "When I moved into Emmanuel House I had dreams and goals, but they always seemed out of reach, so intangible. Something always seemed to happen. Maybe I just wasn't focused enough. Maybe I was not trying hard enough. Whatever the reason(s) I just couldn't seem to pull it together financially or emotionally. Emmanuel House gave me the time, the support and the guidance to move ahead. During my time at the House I feel like I accomplished so much. I have a better relationship with my children and my entire family. I made huge steps in becoming debt free (I'm still working on the bankruptcy). I got out from under an outrageously expensive car payment, so that now I can afford things like rent! (By the way, I will be paying cash for a car in two weeks, and I am very grateful.) Oh there is more, I got the chance to become involved in the HIV community, by going to school for the positively speaking program. And I've learned the importance of budget (why I should have one, and how to set one up), setting reasonable goals and the patience to achieve them (also patience for things, for fellow human beings and with myself). I know I am leaving things out, oh yeah, like the savings account I now have (my first ever) (smiles). Emmanuel House has healed my broken wings; I am leaving with a new spirit and renewed strength, Thank you. Furthermore, I am taking with me new friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I graduated from Emmanuel House just over a year ago. Since then I received a substantial promotion at work (I have a wonderful career), I have my own apartment, a car. I know long worry about how I am going to pay my bills. Today I have concerns like, when will I be able to afford to buy a condo and keeping myself healthy. Thank you to all those involved with Home Aid, Mercy House and Emmanuel House for your hard work and generous hearts have made such an amazing difference in my life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will be forever grateful." Respectfully yours, Shirley LeGrand Emmanuel House Graduate Emmanuel House where Shirley once lived was built by John Laing Homes and is HomeAid Orange County's largest shelter development to date. Located in Santa Ana, Emmanuel House has the distinction of being California's first new shelter dedicated to homeless adults living with HIV or AIDS where 21 homeless men and women - living the HIV/AIDS - like Shirley LeGrand - now have a place to call home. Emmanuel House was built primarily through in-kind contributions in the form of labor, services and materials donated by members of the Building Industry Association led by the John Laing Homes' Team; whose company, along with over 200 trade partners and associates donated $1.7 million to the HomeAid Orange County project. HomeAid Orange County is grateful to John Laing Homes and its partners for their generous contributions so that those in need might have a chance to begin again.