New RSI Dream Communities Aims to Build Homes That Allow Local Heroes to Live Near Work
10 Julio 2024 - 10:05AM
Local entrepreneur and philanthropist Ronald M. Simon, Chairman of
RSI Holding LLC, announced today the establishment of
RSI
Dream Communities, a new 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization dedicated to creating housing for local
heroes. Simon also revealed that he has tapped Jim Palmer, the
former CEO of Orange County Rescue Mission, to lead the company as
President and CEO.
“We are on a mission to do something that has not yet been
done,” said Simon, who serves as Founder and Chairman of RSI Dream
Communities. “Our mission is to provide, without government
funding, thousands of attractive and financially accessible homes
for our local heroes, those professionals who contribute
significantly to our community from nurses, firefighters, teachers,
and public servants who too often find quality homes surrounding
their place of work unaffordable. These professionals deserve to be
able to live near work.”
The need for quality housing options for essential workers is
further validated by esteemed Orange County leaders including
Annette Walker, President of City of Hope of Orange County who
states, “Orange County is facing a critical healthcare hiring
challenge. The healthcare sector in Orange County is short by more
than ten thousand needed healthcare workers. The lack of reasonably
priced housing opportunities significantly affects the recruitment
and retention of healthcare workers."
With Palmer at the helm, RSI Dream Communities seeks to fulfill
its vision of civic responsibility and collective empowerment,
dedicated to crafting sustainable and inclusive living environments
for those who serve the public good. The new company intends to
remove barriers to development and ensure faster build times with
$100 million in private seed money from The Simon Foundation for
Education and Housing.
“Jim's appointment as President and CEO of RSI Dream Communities
reflects our commitment to pairing experienced community leadership
with strategic business acumen," continued Simon. "Jim is a
knowledgeable community leader who will leverage our team's
extensive expertise, precision-built building processes, and seed
funding to fulfill our mission of providing well-maintained,
eco-friendly housing for our communities’ critical workers."
RSI DREAM COMMUNITIES
Before being tapped to spearhead RSI Dream Communities, Palmer’s
varied career included leading the establishment and growth of the
Hurtt Family Health Clinic and overseeing the expansion of the
Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinics as CEO and
Chairman. Most notably, Palmer served as President & CEO of the
Orange County Rescue Mission for 31 years, overseeing its
remarkable expansion and positioning the organization as a leading
provider of social services in Orange County. Palmer accomplished
all of this while not taking any government funds.
Palmer’s career includes many leadership roles across non-profit
organizations, government agencies, healthcare institutions, and
social service sectors, while his influence has resonated across
diverse spheres. He served in the Bush and Obama White Houses as a
Senate-confirmed appointment. His past involvement on over 30+
boards of directors and pivotal contributions to executive
committees underscores his steadfast dedication to advancing the
social good.
"I am deeply honored to join RSI Dream Communities and lead
initiatives that will tangibly impact the lives of local heroes,"
expressed Jim Palmer, President and CEO of RSI Dream Communities.
“Together, we will pioneer innovative housing solutions that
bolster community well-being and ensure that those who tirelessly
serve our communities have access to safe and reasonably priced
homes."
RSI Dream Communities Chairman Ron Simon is the visionary
business titan behind many entities, including RSI Holding LLC, RSI
Equity Partners, Simon Scholars, which is serving more than 2,000
scholars, Simon Builders, RSI Home Products, and its many
divisions. He is renowned for his strategic foresight and
commitment to societal progress. With a keen eye for identifying
emerging needs, Simon has led RSI to the forefront of innovative
solutions, particularly in housing respected public sector workers.
His leadership has propelled RSI's growth and cemented its
reputation as a catalyst for positive change in communities
nationwide. Simon has authored the book “Tell Me Why I Can’t,”
Winning my battle with China by making it in America. Through his
steadfast dedication to serving others, Simon continues to shape
RSI's mission, ensuring that it remains aligned with the evolving
needs of society.
Under Palmer's stewardship, RSI Dream Communities will advance
its vital mission of providing superior housing options for
middle-income earners, allowing these valuable employees to live
near where they work. RSI Dream Communities envisions driving
economic revitalization and fostering community development so
local businesses can attract and retain a strong, dedicated
workforce.
About RSI Dream Communities
RSI Dream Communities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
dedicated to providing housing solutions for employees serving
healthcare, educational, municipal, human service institutions and
local businesses. Our mission is to address the housing needs of
middle-income earners, ensuring they have access to quality housing
in communities near where they work. By leveraging a "Philanthropic
Venture Capital" model, RSI Dream Communities accelerates workforce
housing development, fostering economic stimulus and community
development. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and
community engagement, RSI Dream Communities is dedicated to
improving the lives of local heroes and strengthening communities
across the nation, without the use of taxpayer and government
funds. For more information, visit www.RSIDreamCommunities.org.
Media Contact:
Kim@echomediateam.com
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
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