HomeAid San Diego, a nonprofit organization working to provide services to mitigate the housing crisis in San Diego County, announces that John Peterson has joined the organization as its executive director. Peterson takes over from Mary Lydon, who will move into an advisory role with the organization.
Peterson has 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, most recently holding key leadership roles within organizations that enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD). He has worked with diverse communities including underserved youth, individuals with mental health challenges, women coming out of incarceration or domestic violence and the aging population.
Prior to joining HomeAid San Diego, Peterson successfully implemented strategies for a statewide vocational training program to help underserved individuals gain the skills necessary to seek gainful employment. He also secured funding to renovate several properties to expand affordable housing and training opportunities for people with disabilities.
“We’re thrilled to welcome John to HomeAid San Diego,” said Melissa Stern, HomeAid’s Board Chair. “His extensive experience and commitment to serving those in need will be invaluable to our organization’s mission of alleviating the homeless crisis throughout our region.”
For over two decades, HomeAid has been dedicated to aiding individuals facing homelessness in San Diego County by collaborating with property developers and social service agencies. Through its BUILDS, CARES and WORKS initiatives, the organization serves the community by constructing shelters, engaging volunteers and providing job training opportunities.
Under the leadership of Melissa Stern, business development manager at C&S companies, HomeAid San Diego recently elected its 2024 board of directors, and they have already stepped into action.
The board includes Jamie Prevost, Prevost Construction; Brian Adkins, Buchalter; Barbara Hunter, Financial Consultant; Staci Reidinger, Reidinger Public Relations; Robert (Buddy) Bohrer, San Diego Housing Commission; Drew DeFalle, Swinterton; Hala Garmo, US Bank; Stacie Greene, Over the Moon Sales & Advertising; Vera Howell, Turner Construction; Mark Janda, Avalon Bay Communities; Alex Leonard, Greystar; Tony Pauker, Brookfield Properties Development; David Potter, Chelsea Investment; Mark Read, Kidder Mathews; Ron Sutliff; Joe Vettel, Geocon, Inc.; Alan Willingham, Lennar; Erik Flores, Lowe; Eric Smith, Smith Consultancy; and Craig Perry, PointSource Construction Management.
About HomeAid San Diego
Founded in 2002 HomeAid San Diego is a local affiliate of HomeAid America, which includes 19 chapters across the United States that attack the reality of homelessness with a unique and collaborative approach. Through housing development, community engagement, advocacy and workforce development, HomeAid improves and expands housing and resources for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the San Diego region.
By bringing together homeless service providers, local builders and trades, national and local resources and community leaders, HomeAid builds and renovates shelters and transitional housing at a reduced cost. Bringing its expertise to at-risk and homeless service providers, HomeAid helps to reduce the time spent on managing a building project, allowing these entities to focus on their core work in mitigating homelessness in San Diego County.
For more information, visit https://www.homeaidsd.org