After many years of business and community involvement, Helen Cameron wanted to work with an organization that she could be passionate about. Cameron was introduced to H.O.M.E.S. through a mutual friend and knew that her experience could bring an entrepreneurial emphasis to a worthwhile effort. A dynamic individual, who has greatly improved the services and operations H.O.M.E.S. provides in the last seven years, Cameron’s major housing initiatives are the most notable change since she began working with H.O.M.E.S., in addition to housing for the homeless population, a new direction for the organization. The number of units owned today has doubled since she joined the agency in 1999, and her initiatives have caused significant expansion and refurbishment for H.O.M.E.S. residencies, including the creation of the Jackson Aisle Apartments.

She is also instrumental in the development of the Diamond Aisle project which is designed to meet the affordable housing needs of families with an adult member disabled with a mental illness. The first of its kind, this $10 million community demonstrates the imagination and dedication that Cameron brings to H.O.M.E.S. and her goal to ensure that H.O.M.E.S. continues to make successful progress towards assisting the homeless mentally ill succeed at living independently and productively in Orange County. Looking to the future, Cameron anticipates additional growth of housing units in the coming years and community leadership working with other non-profits to provide more housing for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in the county. With extensive experience with both business and charity work, Cameron is a former member of the Orange County Business Council, Cameron’s accomplishments range from founding the Irvine Education Foundation to co-founding the Basic Bio Systems company. Email

Shannon Peterson has served as the Program Director for HOMES since 2001, following 20+ years of employment in public, private, and non-profit mental health agencies.  She is responsible for screening potential residents, providing supportive services to clients, organizing social activities, keeping in touch with HOMES alumni, recruiting and supervising staff and volunteers for HOMES, and participating in fund-raising activities and growth of the organization.  Shannon helps new residents adjust to the demands of independent living, encourages all clients in the program to set and accomplish personal goals, promotes active participation in social and recreational activities, and generally helps residents improve their quality of life and live well despite their challenges.

Ms. Peterson works continuously to develop and maintain relationships with mental health service providers and recipients throughout Orange County, believing that strong network connections enhance effectiveness.  She currently represents persons with mental illness on the Cal-Optima Member Advisory Committee, is a member of the California Network of Mental Health Clients, and mentors NAMI “Peer to Peer” classes several times each year.  She has nominated many clients and service providers for the Thomas F. Riley Community Service awards, resulting in three winners in the “Hope and Courage” category.

Shannon has implemented several new program components at HOMES since her arrival.  In order to help graduates of the program successfully transition into completely independent living and continue their recovery, she started an Alumni Program in 2001.  In addition to personal contact and support, alumni receive the monthly “There’s No Place Like HOMES” newsletter, also created by Shannon, with information on upcoming social events, local resources, agency news, and other topics of interest to the mental health community. 

Additionally, Shannon developed and directs the annual Mountain Respite Camp, in which HOMES residents and other mental health clients from Orange County enjoy four days in cabins in the San Bernardino National Forest.  Camp activities include rock-wall climbing and a high ropes course, dancing, mountain bikes, arts & crafts, archery, campfire programs, volleyball, soccer, and a hike to a nearby lake.  Camp costs are heavily subsidized to assure affordability for those with limited incomes, and full or partial scholarships for clients can be earned through volunteer work for HOMES. Email

Chris Saunders came to know about HOMES through Shannon Peterson, HOMES’program director. They have known each other for over 10 years through the YMCA of Greater Whittier. Chris first volunteered for H.O.M.E.S. at the 2006 Golf Tournament and was hired soon after. Having majored in psychology at Chapman University, he has a great interest and desire to help those suffering from mental illness, and HOMES has given him the opportunity and skills to assist the clients in becoming able to, once again, be on their own. Through his continuous interactions with clients, Chris plays the part of both role model and mentor to the HOMES clients. He assists in running the bi-weekly house meetings at the Fullerton house. He also assists residents, who have graduated from the HOMES program, in moving into their own independent living situation. He participates in many committees within the Orange County mental health community such as the STIGMA Elimination Taskforce and the Celebration Recovery Planning Committee.

Previously, Chris worked for Newport Dunes RV Resort in Newport Beach as the lifeguard director. Chris is also currently employed by the NCAA as a Division 1 volleyball official. He graduated in 2005 from Chapman University, in Orange, with a B.A in psychology and is in his second year at Cal State Long Beach where he is pursuing his Master’s Degree in Counseling. He is currently a student affiliate member of the American Psychological Association (APA). Email