FOR RELEASE ON OCTOBER 26, 2006
Landscape Development Inc. Saves LA County $1.1 Million
Provides Shelter For The Homeless And Challenges Others In Construction Industry To Follow Suit!
Landscape Development Inc has generously committed to donating $30,000 and helping to raise an additional $60,000, for the SCCDC (Santa Clarita Community Development Corporation) to purchase two modular buildings that will house the Santa Clarita Emergency Winter Shelter (EWS).
For the past three years of its operation of the EWS, the SCCDC has rented the modular buildings at a cost of $44,000 per year. The new buildings are expected to be usable for 25 years and even longer with proper care and maintenance. Over the next 25 years, this purchase will save LA County taxpayers $1.1 million.
According to Gary Horton, founder and CEO of Landscape Development, “We are putting out a serious challenge to the large homebuilders in our community to give back by donating the additional $60,000 needed to purchase the units. We anticipate that area homebuilders and land developers will jump at the chance to contribute and overwhelm the community with their generosity.”
According to Tim A. Davis, President and Executive Director of the SCCDC, “Santa Clarita Valley is the last place of residence before becoming homeless for over 90% of the shelter’s clients. The homeless people at the shelter are our neighbors and friends and it is truly inspiring to see a local company step up to help our community in such a meaningful way”.
“As a company, Landscape Development feels strongly about our responsibility to contribute locally. Reaching out to our neighbors who do not have a roof over their heads is a natural fit because we have done very well by helping to build homes in Southern California. The purchase of the modular buildings is particularly appealing because it is a capital investment that will endure for a substantial period of time.” Tim Myers, CFO Landscape Development.
This assistance provided to the shelter is by no means Landscape Development’s first philanthropic venture. The socially conscious and ethically focused company has contributed over $250,000 to Project Playhouse over the past five years, which raises money for HomeAid housing projects. They contributed $60,000 to the expansion of Henry Mayo Hospital, $17,000 to the Library Initiative, $20,000 for Hurricane Katrina, and $10,000 for the Iranian Earthquake relief, to name a few. The company also extends its generosity to its employees by offering a $1250 per year scholarship for children or family members of their field staff. Additionally, Landscape Development is one of the only companies in the industry that provides health insurance for all of its field staff. The company also encourages its 1073 employees to take part in various philanthropic activities.
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Landscape Development Inc., founded in 1981, is California’s premier landscape company specializing in the housing market. Their integrated divisions: Landscape Construction, Design/Build, Erosion Control, and Maintenance, provide comprehensive and highly individualized solutions on model home sites, master-planned communities, custom homes, slopes, parkways, SWPP plans and more. Landscape Development has developed a rock solid culture of integrity, enthusiasm, and "raving fans" service. The company’s purpose is "to make our client's lives easier and to bring them peace of mind”.
For additional information about Landscape Development Inc, please visit them online at www.landscapedevelopment.com.
The Santa Clarita Emergency Winter Shelter (EWS) assists people with the help they need to improve their individual or family circumstances. The SCCDC has operated the EWS for the past nine years. Open from approximately Dec.1 through March 15 each year, the EWS provides shelter, food, clothing, medical and mental services as well as other assistance and referrals to its clients. Additionally, because minors are not permitted to stay at the EWS, qualifying local families with children receive shelter in a local motel through the SCCDC's voucher program.
The assistance that the EWS provides is a direct result of its many supporters and volunteers. In order to continue helping our hungry and homeless neighbors, please become a volunteer for the EWS or make a donation today.
For additional information or to make a donation to the EWS, please visit us online at www.santaclaritashelter.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dana Mech, SCCDC Board Member
Phone: 661.288.2625
Email: dmech@ingenuitymarketingservices.com
