Ernie Schroeder and Asia Pham of Schroeder Management Company was recently invited as speakers at the United To End Homelessness Welcome Home OC anniversary event. The event was a celebration and gathering of likeminded individuals committed to reducing homelessness in Orange County, CA through volunteer work, investing, raising public awareness, and expanding housing opportunities.

For 30 years, Ernie has opened apartment units in his apartment communities and has stepped up to house the first 11 individuals participating in the United to End Homelessness pilot program in which Orange County property owners can help end homelessness by placing formerly homeless individuals with vouchers in private sector apartment units.

Ernie and Asia explained to the audience how not only housing homeless individuals with vouchers makes an impact on the broader community, it makes good business sense:

– Vouchers mean rental income at or near market rate.
– Support from case managers minimize impact of problem renters, if there are any at all.
– Voucher holders assimilate well into their communities.
– Support from United Way covering costs for furnishings, holding costs, and inspections minimize financial impacts.
– Very little turnover!

Ernie called “participating in the United to End Homeless Welcome Home OC program a “win-win-win” for everyone and encouraged his industry colleagues to “try it” and take a leap of faith that they won’t soon regret.”

Asia Pham said “it makes me proud to be with an organization like Schroeder Management Company that embodies social responsibility.”