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Welcome to EDC Veterans
Welcome to the Veteran Housing & Wellness Center, dedicated to providing safe, supportive housing and wellness services for veterans and women in need. These facilities will serve Native veterans and vulnerable Native women across California, while offering local El Dorado County residents and neighboring communities easier access to these much-needed services due to its location.
Know the Facts
Facts vs. Myths
A small but vocal group of opponents—led by a Sacramento County resident—has spread misinformation about these projects. Let’s set the record straight.
✔️ FACT: Licensed & Regulated
These facilities are licensed and regulated by the State of California. No drugs, alcohol, or weapons are allowed on-site.
✔️ FACT: Who We Serve
These facilities will primarily serve Native women and veterans, including both tribal and urban Native Americans, along with some non-Native veterans. The goal is to improve housing stability and mental wellness for El Dorado County and beyond.
✔️ FACT: Community-Driven Project
Local residents Gina Wasdyke (El Dorado Hills) and Deanna Pineda (El Dorado) are leading these efforts.
✔️ FACT: Local Nonprofit Ownership – No Individual or For-Profit Ownership
The facilities will be built on HomeCA land and operated by Native Directions Inc. (NDI), with administrative support from HomeCA, a local El Dorado County nonprofit.
• 95% of funding comes from State Grants (AB 133 & AB 172)
• 5% of funding comes from HomeCA/NDI
✔️ FACT: Facility Details
These facilities have a capped number of beds to ensure appropriate capacity:
• Adult Residential Facility – Veterans (Men): House: 5,200 sq. ft., 15 bedrooms (30 semi-private beds) | 3569 North Shingle Rd, Shingle Springs
• Adult Residential Facility – Women: House: 5,200 sq. ft., 15 bedrooms (30 semi-private beds) | 3480 Deer Valley Ct, Rescue
• Residential Facility for Young Mothers: House: 7,200 sq. ft., 16-bedroom home (16 mothers, up to 24 children) | 2761 Sands Rd, Rescue
• Wellness Center: Multipurpose: 5,250 sq.ft., 250 spots for day programs (M-F, 9 AM-3 PM), equine therapy, and counseling, with 10% reserved for El Dorado County veterans.
✔️ FACT: Proven Leadership from Local Constituents
HomeCA’s principal officers has over 50 years of experience.
• Gina Wasdyke – President & Founder of HomeCA est. 2016
• Deanna Pineda – Native Liaison with over 30 years of service and relationship with Native Directions Inc.
• Patrick Prado – Chief Operating Officer with 20+ years of experience in complex operations.
✔️ FACT: Veteran Priority
El Dorado County has a significant veteran population. These facilities will prioritize Native veterans, while reserving spots for local non-Native veterans.
• Ron Simpson, a 26-year veteran and retired Colonel, serves as Senior Consultant for Veteran Housing & Services.
✔️ FACT: Boosting the Local Economy
HomeCA is committed to hiring local contractors, vendors, and suppliers. Some local partners include:
• Max Peralta / Ultimax Builders (El Dorado Hills)
• Shauna Skulick / Shauna Skulick Designs (Shingle Springs)
• Ron Duncan / Environmental Consultant (Rescue)
• Heath Kirin / Excite Energy (El Dorado Hills)
• Sonde Geological Services (Cameron Park)
• Evan Vaughn / Cornerstone Land Services (Somerset)
✔️ FACT: State & Local Compliance
These projects meet or exceed all state and local conditions, including fire safety and zoning laws. A retired Fire Captain serves as our volunteer fire mitigation consultant.
• CEQA & zoning-exempt per AB 133 & AB 172
• 200 feet of defensible space – double the county requirement
• Regular fire drills for staff and residents
✔️ FACT: Non-Medical Social Model
These are non-medical facilities focused on assisted living, not clinical treatment. As a result, they have minimal impact on emergency services like 911.
• Residents needing higher care will be referred to licensed medical providers and transitioned to Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) or hospitals as needed.
✔️ FACT: Positive Net Impact
These projects bring economic benefits, job creation, and minimal strain on County services.
✔️ FACT: Strong Political & Community Support
• Supported by Assemblymember James C. Ramos, Chair of the CA Legislative Native American Caucus
• Backed by hundreds of local residents – See for yourself: change.org/nativehousing
✔️ FACT: Native Collaboration
Project leaders met with local Miwok tribal leaders on June 22, 2023, pledging to collaborate for the benefit of Native American tribal members.
Want to Learn More?
Project leaders are happy to meet and discuss the benefits of these projects for El Dorado County.
Contact Us:
1-855-466-3978
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