Exceptional People & Firms

He could say that he does it for the karma points (which are considerable) or because it is the right thing to do (which it is). But the real reason Mark M. Read helps HomeAid San Diego build and renovate homes for the homeless is because he likes to do it. It is no more complicated or less heartfelt than that.

“I do it for my own benefit,” said Read, executive managing director with Voit Real Estate Services/CORFAC International (Irvine, CA) and a founding member of HomeAid San Diego. “I heard a quote once that stuck with me: ‘You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.’ That feels right to me. It just feels good to be able to help.”

Since forming HomeAid San Diego in 2002, Read and his fellow board members have mobilized local builders, contractors and tradespeople to build or remodel group homes and shelters that serve emancipated foster youth, seniors, veterans and women and children affected by domestic violence.