Members of the construction industry are known for providing housing to those who can afford it, but thanks to HomeAid Southern Nevada, they're also providing it to those who can't.

Kathleen Dye, executive director of the local agency, said the first HomeAid was founded in Southern California in 1989 by the building industry and some community leaders "who recognized a need for an organization like HomeAid to work with care providers on their needs for the homeless and partner them with a builder who could preferably donate the services and the time."

Those Southern California efforts were so successful, she said, that it was decided to take the organization nationwide. There are 18 chapters that have provided more than 3,000 beds for homeless people at a market value of about $80 million, Dye said.

The Las Vegas chapter, which was founded in April 2005, is wrapping up its first project, she said. It's the refurbishment of 56,000 square feet of living space for children who live at St. Jude's Ranch in Boulder City. (That may not seem like a traditional homeless constituency, but, Dye said, "a lot of the kids come from Child Haven and would be homeless if they weren't at St. Jude's.")

Dye said the St. Jude's project was spearheaded by Pardee Homes, which was the "builder captain." The role of the builder captain, she said, includes soliciting donations of products and work from vendors and tradesmen. Nationally, she said, an average of 73 percent of the value of a project is donated, with the rest contributed by the care provider, and "we kick in some as well." On the St. Jude's project, she said, 100 percent was donated, at a value of about $1 million.

"It's a testament to Pardee's reputation and commitment to the community, because everyone said, 'We're in,' " she said. As she told a project representative, "They set the bar very high for our expectations."

Dye said the core niche of those helped by HomeAid Southern Nevada is the transitionally homeless, although "we help all levels of homeless. We'd rather help everyone we can."

Upcoming projects include the refurbishment of The Salvation Army's day room, which serves the chronically homeless.

HomeAid also is working on a project with the Women's Development Center, which is refurbishing 74 shelter beds and apartments near Cashman Field, she said.

The agency is working with Boys Hope/Girls Hope on a home for teenaged girls "who are academically capable but don't necessarily have support at home," Dye noted. Property was donated for that project, she said; it's currently being leveled, and the eight-bed home will be built from scratch.

"Every project is so unique," Dye said.

HomeAid is planning several fundraisers, including Project Playhouse in December. That will involve constructing playhouses no larger than 12-by-12 feet and donating them for auction.

"It's a huge success in Orange County, so we're trying to incorporate that nationally," she said.

HomeAid also has scheduled a donor-recognition event for Tuesday.

The organization accepts private donations. It also uses some volunteers, who can participate in one-day projects -- such as painting or planting -- and help with special events. To volunteer or make a donation to HomeAid of Southern Nevada, call its office at 838-4243.