For almost 30 years, HomeAid’s Executive Director, Gina Cunningham, has been a powerful and tireless force instrumental in changing homeless people’s lives in Southern California. She is a rock star in advocacy. Her unwavering dedication and energetic leadership at HomeAid have made a significant impact in guiding efforts in connection with the Building Industry Association of Orange County. For several years, HomeAid has donated supplies, blankets, food, bus tickets, toiletry kits, and more to our P11 Blanket+ Drives, so you know she’s got a special place in our hearts. We had an exceptional opportunity to sit down with her and really get into why she does what she does, the current state of homelessness, and how industry partners make a difference.

P11: You’ve been at HomeAid for nearly 29 years. Your dedication is incredibly inspiring. What has kept you there all this time?

GC: I love what HomeAid does for others through housing, and our work is not done. I need to have purpose in everything that I do; it’s what motivates me. I don’t think of this as a job; it’s a calling, and I am going to keep fighting for housing the rest of my life.

P11: What makes it worth it?

GC: Knowing that each day I get up, I am serving our community, leading others, and inspiring change. I also get to work with some amazing people, from board members, my team, volunteers, the community, and donors. Giving back brings out the best in people, and that makes me smile.

P11: How do you measure success beyond just the number of beds or buildings completed?

GC: HomeAid not only builds housing but also brings the community and building industry together to provide essential resources to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, such as food and diapers. Our success is not measured only by the people we house, but by the people we inspire and give an opportunity to serve.

P11: What does “home” mean to you personally — and how does that guide your work?

GC: Home is everything. It’s your safe space, warm welcome, cozy existence, and where our story begins daily. Every human deserves a home; it’s as essential to life as food and water. Without it, we struggle to survive. And knowing that in our territory we have over 85,000 people experiencing homelessness who need a home, guides my work.

P11: HomeAid’s work relies heavily on partnerships. What makes a partnership successful in your eyes? Can you share an example of a recent partnership that really exemplifies the HomeAid OCLA spirit? Let’s give them a shoutout. How can strategic partners help amplify your mission even further right now?

GC: The magic of HomeAid that I often speak about is because of our partnerships. Throughout my career, I have witnessed some of the most amazing people coming together to make magic happen. One recent example was the power of partnerships when we built La Veta Village. This housing community will provide affordable housing for working mothers and seniors. Our homebuilding community, led by The New Home Co., restored three historic homes and added three new ADUs in Old Towne Orange, at an over 60% reduction in cost. This community, made possible by the generosity of so many who gave their treasure to make it happen, including CalOptima Health, will provide a home for many families for generations to come.

P11: HomeAid Orange County expanded its reach and responsibilities to Los Angeles and Ventura Counties in 2025. That’s huge! Tell us about the opportunities, challenges, and impact during this exciting expansion.

GC: It is huge and a seemingly daunting task to serve that many people who need housing – where do we begin? Our leadership decided to expand our territory by applying what we have learned over 35 years in Orange County, as the first HomeAid affiliate, to a region that is severely in need of more housing. It’s the starfish story. We start by helping one at a time. We are currently seeking the right opportunities in the Greater Los Angeles area and are looking for like-minded people to jump in and help us expand.

P11: How does HomeAid OCLA bridge the gap between homelessness, housing, and hope?

GC: Our goal is to add to the housing stock at a highly reduced cost so we can make the biggest impact for our neighbors at risk of homelessness. As a nonprofit born in the homebuilding industry, our best talent lies in reducing construction costs through donations of labor and materials. We provide the industry with a vehicle to give back, while using their talents. The result – bringing hope and housing together to make magic happen.

P11: What have been HomeAid OCLA’s milestones thus far?

GC: HomeAid OCLA, collectively in the past 30 years, has already completed more than 105 housing projects in all three counties for people at risk or experiencing homelessness. Across the region, we have developed everything from a 425-bed emergency shelter to small residential renovations for grassroots organizations serving unhoused people.

P11: What are HomeAid OCLA’s biggest goals for the next few years?

GC: HomeAid OCLA’s biggest goals over the next few years would be to increase the housing stock needed in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties for our underserved communities and to provide essential resources, such as diapers and food, through our network of supporters. We invite the community to engage with our organization through housing development or our year-round community activities.

P11: We understand you’re priority right now is a food drive. Tell us all about it and how industry professionals can help.

GC: Yes, our Holiday Food Drive runs from November 17 to December 5, 2025. Your company, school, retail location, or place of worship can collect food items, and the drive-through delivery locations are in Orange and Los Angeles counties. All food collected will be donated to the LA and OC Food Banks for distribution to our most vulnerable neighbors at the holidays.

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P11: What other events does HomeAid OCLA have coming up? Give us all the details.

GC: We have many events, campaigns, and volunteer activities throughout the year that companies and individuals can get involved in. Learn more about how you can make an impact and sign up to receive our e-news or find us on social. We have many opportunities for you to engage in our mission in 2026

P11: In advocacy and outreach, it always comes down to the human element and the people. Can you share a memorable story of a project or person whose life was changed through HomeAid OCLA’s work?

GC: One of the families that moved into La Veta began their story with HomeAid OCLA in 2017, when they entered our emergency shelter, the Family CareCenter. This family has struggled but never lost hope as their journey took them from their van to the Family CareCenter to an apartment that has provided them with permanent housing for over 8 years. The Mom has furthered her education, traveled on the bus when she couldn’t afford car repairs, and worked to provide her children with a safe and stable living environment. Home is where your story begins.

P11: What moments remind your team why this work matters, even when the challenges feel overwhelming?

GC: Celebrating the wins when we break ground on a new project or cut the ribbon is important for our team to remember “why“ we are here. You wear many hats as a nonprofit worker, and the big milestones seem far apart. However, knowing we are working towards a goal of helping other humans in need daily keeps our team going, even when it seems overwhelming.

P11: What drives your team on a personal level to keep doing this work?

GC: I believe that every member of our team, board of directors, and volunteers who support our organization has a true calling in their hearts to serve others. Purpose is my driver, and knowing that our work may never fully be completed keeps me motivated and pushing forward.

P11: When it comes to innovation and strategy, how is HomeAid OCLA adapting to the changing landscape of homelessness in Southern California? What are you most excited about?

GC: We are most excited about our expansion and the opportunity to make a bigger impact across the entire region. California has the highest number of people experiencing homelessness in the United States, and we have the ability to help reduce this through building housing. We have to get busy now and find the right opportunities to bring the biggest impact to the crisis.

P11: What misconceptions about homelessness would you like to challenge? If you could inspire some takeaways for the public — for a mindset shift — what would they be?

GC: I believe the biggest misconception about homelessness is that people believe that humans want to sleep outside and don’t want help. Homelessness is complicated, and every person who is experiencing it has also experienced something extremely traumatic, or they wouldn’t be without a home. We need to give our fellow humans some grace and not be quick to judge them since we don’t know their story.

Thank you, Gina, for making the world a much better and more inclusive place! It’s an honor to know you and everyone at P11 appreciates everything that you do! Home is not only the place you live but the people you connect with. Get more information on HomeAid OCLA now.