Honoring a Legacy at La Veta Village
Earlier this month, a ribbon was cut in Old Towne Orange, but it was far more than the opening of a new housing community, it was a moment that connected the past, present, and future of HomeAid’s mission.
La Veta Village, HomeAid Orange County | Los Angeles newest development, was officially dedicated on July 16. This inspiring project brings 20 beds of permanent housing to families and seniors experiencing homelessness, combining the thoughtful renovation of historic homes with newly built ADUs all nestled in one of Orange County’s most storied neighborhoods.
I was not able to be there in person, but my heart was certainly present, especially during one of the most meaningful moments of the morning: the recognition of Mike Lennon.
For those who don’t know Mike, he was the founding executive director of HomeAid Orange County and later the founding CEO of HomeAid America. He also helped establish Aragon Affordable Housing, which contributed significantly financially to the La Veta Village project. Mike’s vision of building housing through the generosity and skill of the building industry created not only structures, but pathways out of homelessness for thousands in Orange County and now over 1 million people across the nation.
At the dedication, Mike was given the distinct honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon, a symbolic gesture, yes, but also a deeply personal and fitting tribute to someone who helped carve out the very foundation on which this community now stands. Further, the Senior ADU at La Veta Village was named in Mike’s honor, ensuring that his legacy will live on, not just in stories, but in bricks, beams, and lives changed.
La Veta Village is a model of what’s possible when vision meets collaboration. With support from Landsea Homes, New Home Co., AO (Architects Orange), Studio 195, the City of Orange and the leadership of HomeAid Orange County | Los Angeles, this community has turned once vacant and underutilized properties into a beacon of stability and hope.
To everyone who made this possible—thank you. And to Mike Lennon: on behalf of the entire HomeAid network across the country, we honor you, we thank you, and we continue to build on the foundation you helped lay over 36 years ago.