HomeAid, Hope Center partner for dental clinic aiding homeless

In August, HomeAid Houston and Hope Center Houston, along with community leaders and representatives of Cornerstone Development Group, Greater Houston Builders Association, Community Engineering Corps, and Engineers Without Borders USA celebrated the opening of Hope Center Houston’s Dental Clinic to provide homeless individuals in NW Houston with improved dental health, breaking down one more barrier to securing employment.

HomeAid and Hope Center celebrated the opening of Hope Center Houston’s Dental Clinic to provide homeless individuals in northwest Houston with improved dental health.

Partnering as Builder Captains on the project, Cornerstone Development Group enthusiastically brought a wealth of knowledge in project development and construction management. HomeAid’s Executive Director, Carole Brady said, “The Dental Clinic for Hope Center has certainly been a labor of love from our perspective. We know how important this clinic is to the community, and we were blessed to have Cornerstone Development step up and do it right.”

Cornerstone co-founders Jascha Patton, who heads up leadership and business strategy, and Jeff Kastendieck, who handles operations and business development, bring over 30 years of combined experience in development and construction to every project. Their expertise in managing construction within all areas has been a key factor in the ease in which their team completed an intake area, three dental stations and equipment storage spaces, in a relatively seamless process on the second floor within Hope Center.

“When we became aware of the Hope Center vision to provide such a critical service to their clients, Jeff and I knew we had to help,” said Patton. “Offering our services helps to fill our sense of purpose while also strengthening our ties to the local community. This was an easy step because our team has experience in managing the development and construction process for projects of all sizes, from start to finish. We analyze each phase along the way for the perfect delivery whether it’s a large medical or retail space, or a small remodel, our flexible approach adapts to the client’s needs at every stage. It is an honor to help on this project that will make a difference in the lives of individuals facing tremendous challenges.”

Additionally, HomeAid received assistance from engineering students at the University of Houston’s Engineers Without Borders chapter, a 501(c)(3) organization, who provided construction drawings and permitting applications for the project.

Hope Center Houston provides breakfast, lunch, laundry, showers, and clothing in addition to medical, mental health and spiritual needs. Individuals also have access to life-skills classes, counseling, AA and referrals to support efforts to transition off the streets.

More than 3,000 homeless individuals were served in the first three years of the Center. Several hundred made significant strides in overcoming addictions, acquiring jobs and finding affordable housing. In August 2019, they officially became Hope Center Houston and acquired a new facility on Peakwood in the FM 1960 area, allowing them to provide additional services and opportunities for supporting agencies to come alongside their mission.

HomeAid Houston, a 501(c)(3) charity of the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA), is dedicated to helping people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement, and education. HomeAid’s core construction programs facilitate the construction/renovation of homeless shelters utilizing the pro bono construction resources of members of the GHBA and its trades to save homeless service providers from 45%-100% of construction costs. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, HomeAid Houston has completed 77 projects which house over 5,000 homeless men, women, and children annually.

For information visit www.homeaidhouston.org or call 281-970-8970. For more about Hope Center Houston, visit www.hopecenterhouston.org.