Dear Fire Victims and Community Leaders,
My name is Steve Schneider, and I am the founder of Homes 4 the Homeless, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing innovative and dignified housing solutions for those affected by disasters, homelessness, and housing insecurity. My journey began not as a distant observer but as someone who has walked in your shoes.
My Journey
In October 2017, my life was forever changed by the devastating Tubbs Fire, one of California’s most destructive wildfires at the time. Like so many others, I lost my home, my sense of security, and tragically, my beloved dog, Seymour. The events of that night are etched into my memory: the apocalyptic winds, the chaos of smoke and embers, the desperate race to escape through walls of fire, and the overwhelming realization that everything I had built was gone.
Surviving that night was only the beginning. My dog and I suffered severe respiratory damage—his life was cut short, and my lungs will require lifelong treatment. I lived in a hotel room for 18 months, witnessing firsthand the cruel reality of homelessness for those without resources. I saw people living, and dying, in the streets just outside my window. It was in those moments that I made a promise to myself: to turn my pain into purpose and fight for a future where no one has to endure what I did.
Building Homes, Building Hope
With the support of influential friends and a lifetime of business experience, I used my insurance settlement to establish Homes 4 the Homeless. I traveled the globe, seeking out the very best disaster relief housing solutions, determined to create a system that not only provides shelter but restores dignity.
I leveraged my connections, including those formed during trips to China with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, to learn from countries that have mastered scalable, efficient housing. This exploration led to a groundbreaking partnership with VESSEL, a leader in modular housing innovation. Over the years, our mission has evolved to include NESSEL, a new division focused exclusively on affordable housing for families, disaster victims, and underserved communities.
NESSEL, which means “miracle of God,” embodies our belief that housing is a human right and that every family deserves a safe, dignified place to call home. With NESSEL and Homes 4 the Homeless, we’re not just building houses—we’re building hope and a path to recovery.
Why Our Solution is the Best
After years of research and development, I can confidently say that our housing solutions are unparalleled in quality, efficiency, and scalability. The modular homes we provide are:
- Durable: Engineered to withstand extreme conditions, from wildfires and hurricanes to earthquakes.
- Affordable: Designed to maximize cost efficiency without compromising quality.
- Dignified: Blending seamlessly into neighborhoods and offering the comfort and privacy every individual deserves.
- Scalable: Built for rapid deployment to meet the urgent needs of disaster victims, whether for temporary relief or permanent housing solutions.
A Message to Fire Victims
To those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and beyond: I know your pain because I’ve lived it. I’ve felt the heartbreak of losing everything, the struggle of navigating recovery systems, and the overwhelming uncertainty of what comes next. But I also know the resilience within us all—the power to rebuild and come back stronger.
At Homes 4 the Homeless, we’re here to make sure you don’t have to face this journey alone. Our housing solutions are ready to provide comfort, safety, and a fresh start. We understand the challenges ahead, and we’re committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.
An Invitation to Collaborate
We believe that solving the housing crisis and responding to disasters requires collaboration. We invite nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and community leaders to partner with us in this mission. Together, we can provide immediate relief for those affected by disasters, create long-term housing solutions for underserved communities, and close the gap in affordable housing.
Our team has already begun working on two major projects, each with over 100 housing units dedicated to underserved communities. With your support, we can scale these efforts to meet the growing demand and ensure that no one is left behind.
Join Us in Rewriting the Future
Homes 4 the Homeless is more than an organization—it’s a movement born out of personal tragedy and fueled by the belief that housing is a human right. Together, we can transform lives, rebuild communities, and create a world where no one has to wonder where they’ll sleep at night.
Let’s work together to turn loss into hope and rebuild a brighter future for everyone.
With hope and determination,
Steve Schneider
Founder, Homes 4 the Homeless
