New Beginnings was honored to recognize Steve Baird as its Landlord of the Year at its educational luncheon in March, which focused on how the program ends homelessness by forming collaborative landlord partnerships.
As operational director of Camp Flores, a home for veterans in Santa Maria, Baird has helped house close to 20 of its veteran clients over the years. New Beginnings is also grateful to Fred Pratt, who owns Camp Flores and has served as a mentor to Baird.
Baird is a former client of the New Beginnings’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program, which makes him one of its greatest client success stories. In his remarks, Baird shared how he became homeless after losing his job, and subsequently disconnected from his family and support system.
New Beginnings staff helped Baird secure housing and provided case management that allowed him to improve his sense of well-being and find the momentum to turn his life around.
Today, Baird leads a nonprofit organization that operates Camp Flores and uses team sports to restore the sense of brotherhood that diminishes for many veterans when they return home. Baird serves as a leader and a mentor for veterans across Santa Barbara County.
Baird said the success of the partnership is due to New Beginnings’ commitment to serving as a long-term support resource to both clients and landlords.
“Relationships with landlords and property managers, like New Beginnings has with Steve Baird and Fred Pratt, are essential to our success in housing people across the county,” said Kristine Schwarz, executive director. “We are grateful for their partnership and collaboration. We encourage and welcome others.”
New Beginnings Counseling Center, 324 E. Carrillo St., Ste. C, Santa Barbara, provides quality, affordable counseling, shelter, case management and education. It is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.sbnbcc.org.
— Michael Berton for New Beginnings.