SANTA ANA, CA (May 9, 2007) — HomeAid Orange County; the California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors, Orange County-Inland Empire (CALPASC OCIE); Pacific Design Estates Construction; and Isaiah House recently hosted the Isaiah House Start of Construction/Renovation Celebration where nearly 100 guests came to take part in the launching of new beginnings for this house of hospitality dedicated to serving the poor.

When completed the Isaiah House extensive renovation led by Builder Captain CALPASC OCIE will add 571 sq. ft. to the existing home and will include an expanded kitchen with dishwasher; expanded refrigeration; enclosed dry good storage; handicapped accessible bathroom /shower; and a laundry facility. Exterior building improvements will include outdoor inclement weather structures, as well as the replacement of porch railings, windows and screens. Additionally, extensive yard, drainage, shelter and storage solutions will be upgraded; and interior walls, bathrooms, hardware and flooring will either be repaired or replaced.

CALPASC OCIE is an association of specialty contractor and related supplier businesses working together on issues that have an economic or value concern for the welfare of its industry. The association is represented and managed by its members striving for strength in unity and the betterment of its membership, and has to date brought on board over 20 trades contributing to Isaiah House. CALPASC is working in close association with Pacific Design Estates Construction, a long-time HomeAid supporter that is overseeing the day to day renovation project management.

HomeAid Orange County — the Isaiah House facilitator — is a non-profit organization established under the auspices of the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California charged with the mission of building and renovating shelters for temporarily homeless men, women and children.

The Catholic Worker community at Isaiah House opens their home to the homeless and most downtrodden members of society who lack basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. They have been led to make their home a 'House of Hospitality,' which is a welcome source of relief for those most at risk, in particular, families, seniors and disabled women. As part of their outreach, they mentor and encourage their school age guests, making it possible for them to progress in local schools.

The Catholic Worker movement at the core of the Isaiah House philosophy is grounded in a belief in the God-given dignity of every person. "Our rule is the works of mercy... it is the way of sacrifice, worship..., "said Dorothy Day, who founded the Catholic Worker movement in 1933.

Steeped in the Dorothy Day system of values, the Orange County Catholic Worker community at Isaiah House has provided dignified service to the poor since 1987. Dwight and Leia Smith, the leaders of this community of committed volunteers, both left comfortable white-collar jobs to join the Catholic Worker movement, adopting a give-back life through their work with those in need. The Smiths view Isaiah House as a nexus that heals souls on both sides of the economic scale…providing life-sustaining resources to those in need and volunteer opportunities to those seeking to balance 'the good life' with good works.

Those interested in volunteering or donating to the project may contact HomeAid Orange County at (949) 553-9510 or www.homeaidoc.org, and those interested in volunteering or donating to Isaiah House may contact them at 714-835-6304 or visitwww.occatholicworker.org.