The news cycle has been difficult to digest lately, however, during these uncertain times I’ve been feeling especially grateful that at HomeAid, we’ve been riding a seemingly unstoppable swell of goodwill. This past month alone, that generosity was on full display.
Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our community, we collected an astonishing 1.2 million diapers and wipes through our Builders for Babies program, with 46 nonprofits benefitting – including some as far as 200 miles south of our headquarters. Then a week later over 250 of you joined us at our Builders and Friends BBQ celebrating the progress we have made together and our collective efforts to build and create spaces where people can feel safe and supported. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the heat of summer, this community continues to show up with heart and purpose. It’s an incredible village to be a part of, and while I’ve said it before, it bears repeating, we simply couldn’t do this work without the unwavering support of our partners, companies, and volunteers who continue to show us, time and time again, that they believe in our mission and the impact we’re making together.
It’s hard to believe our diaper drive has grown 3900% since its launch and our BBQ had more registrants this year than in recent years. The sheer magnitude of this kind of support sometimes takes my breath away, particularly considering we’re just a staff of five. There are so many logistics to account for and miles to cover, and all of you keep making it possible.
And while keeping up with our own growth can also be challenging, I know we’re on the right path because everything we do is done with intention. We focus on filling unique gaps, whether it’s building playhouses, delivering bunk beds, collecting household essentials, delivering diapers, or building shelter. We’ve eliminated redundancies – we phased out our backpacks program, for example, because dozens of organizations are filling that same need. No one, however, is delivering diapers to the Shenandoah area, so we started.
HomeAid is identifying the overlooked, the underserved, and responding with compassion and commitment and perhaps most importantly without strings attached, and we’re humbled that so many nonprofits have discovered us as a result. The fruits of our collaboration, partnership, and friendship have been on full display this summer, and it allows each of us to be a beacon of hope in a world that needs more light.
With gratitude,
Hundreds of partners, supporters, and guests gathered for HomeAid National Capital Region’s Builders & Friends BBQ in late June, celebrating and recognizing our 2025 Trade Partner of the Year: Southern Electric Services Company. This prestigious annual award is presented to a company that has demonstrated exceptional commitment and service to HomeAid’s projects. Southern Electric began their partnership with HomeAid in 2009 and have since contributed to 15 HomeAid projects, donating more than $133,000 in time, labor, materials, and financial support and impacting thousands of lives.
“We are incredibly grateful for their longstanding partnership and unwavering support of our mission,” HomeAid Board President Bryan Guidash, Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, P.C., remarked in presenting the award. “This family-owned and operated full-service electrical company shares our commitment to excellence, and their passion for innovation help make our projects more efficient and environmentally friendly.”
In addition to announcing our Trade Partner of the Year, the National Botanic Garden offered the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with camaraderie and connection. Guests enjoyed live music from Liberty Street Band, delicious food from Mission BBQ and C&C Frozen Treats, and refreshing brews from Old Ox Brewery. A special thank you to Signature Company for donating brand-new cornhole boards, and to the many generous sponsors who made this memorable evening possible!
Couldn’t make it this year? Be sure to check out our online photo album of this year’s BBQ!
In addition, we are extremely grateful for the huge increase in in-kind support this year:
Overseeing it all were Tom Hyde, Miller & Smith, and Peter Lee, M&T Bank, who chaired this year’s massive effort. Well done, gentlemen!
Thank you to all who helped make this year’s drive a success – it’s an incredible example of identifying a need in the community and saying, “We can help with that.”
Want to see what this year’s Builder for Babies really looked like? Check out our Flickr photo album!
Join us on Friday, September 19, to compete, network, and support HomeAid at our Golf Tournament presented by Darvish Construction at Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club. Check-in will begin at 7:00 a.m. with an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start.
Golfers, this tournament always sells out, so be sure to register your foursome today! If you haven’t participated before, you’re in for a treat – it’s a great day of golf at a beautiful course.
Sponsors, put your company name in front of a sold-out crowd of leaders in the building industry, and take advantage of the opportunity to help us continue our mission of building new lives through construction, community engagement, and education. With a wide range of sponsorship opportunities – including par and hole, bar, birdie, cart, longest hole, and hole-in-one sponsorships – we have sponsor levels for every budget. Find out more today! Best of all, the proceeds go to enhancing HomeAid’s mission of helping people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Not a golfer but want to be involved? Consider volunteering on the day of the tournament! We welcome extra hands at check-in, on the course, or just generally help keep the day running smoothly. Sign-up here!
Rycon Construction has been a regular and committed supporter of HomeAid through sponsorships and events, always willing to pitch in and find new ways to support us. Most recently, the company made it possible for us to deliver diapers and wipes from our Builder for Babies collection drive to nonprofits in the Richmond metro area by providing critically needed warehouse space and forklift operations assistance. The company’s generosity has been a gamechanger for nonprofits we previously hadn’t been able to easily serve, and for reminding us of the wide range of ways companies and individuals can support our mission. We sat down with Jarrod Schiding, executive vice president of Rycon, to learn more about the company and its partnership with HomeAid.
Q: How did you learn about HomeAid, and what inspired you to help?
A: CEO Kristyn Burr introduced me to HomeAid, and the first thing we got involved with was the 2023 Builders for Babies campaign, when we also stored and helped deliver diapers and wipes. We had the capacity to help, so we didn’t hesitate to share it for such an impactful initiative. I subscribe to a similar philosophy as others who work with HomeAid: We have a duty to support the people in the communities where we live and work. After getting involved, it became evident that everyone involved with HomeAid shares that same passion for a common vision to help its communities.
Q: If another company was considering getting involved with HomeAid, what would you tell them?
A: I have served on various boards and committees in the nonprofit space, all of which were great experiences. HomeAid is ‘next level’ as far as its stewardship and efficiency of donated resources, and the incredible value it provides to its nonprofit partners. Builders for Babies, the Turnover Program, Project Playhouse, Home Essential collection, construction projects and renovations … the list goes on. The dignified way that HomeAid provides space to domestic violence survivors, single moms, families, or veterans is also incredible. Seeing the impact that HomeAid has on individuals first-hand is nothing short of inspirational.
Q: What have you learned about homelessness through your involvement?
A: Northern Virginia and its challenges aren’t dissimilar to other regions. The challenge of homelessness is too broad and too immediate for government entities to solve in a meaningful or expeditious way. There is tremendous need for nonprofits such as HomeAid to bridge the gap and provide resources in a very succinct way.
Q: Tell us more about Rycon and what you love most about your career.
A: Rycon is a Pittsburgh-based commercial general contracting firm that established its footprint in the DMV in 2019. I have 20+ years of experience in the commercial construction space; I started out as an unskilled laborer working for a commercial general contractor over the summers in high school and developed a career path that led me to my current role. I love that the construction industry is so dynamic, with every project being completely unique – every challenge and day is different, and I find that really rewarding. I have been incredibly fortunate to work and interact with awesome people, and my career has provided me the opportunity to give my knowledge and expertise to organizations like HomeAid in a way that feels both impactful and meaningful.
National Conference to End Homelessness
Vice President of Fundraising and Communications Courtney Bishop represented HomeAid National Capital Region along with Scott Larson, CEO of HomeAid America last week at the National Conference to End Homelessness in Washington, D.C. The conference brought together service providers, system leaders, advocates, and people with a lived experience of homelessness to learn from each other, discuss best practices, and share new innovations in the field. In addition to regular workshops, the conference also offered opportunities to foster connections with other nonprofits and share information about HomeAid.
Finishing Touches that Make a House a Home
Our Home Essentials program focuses on collecting and donating everyday home necessities – such as cleaning products, bedding, tableware, towels, and laundry detergent – to help individuals and families transition into stable, thriving homes with dignity and hope for the future. Over the last quarter, we donated 176 items, worth $2,054, to two nonprofit partners – St. John’s Community Service and The Lamb Center. Thank you to everyone who helped provide the finishing touches that turn a house into a home.
Peterson Companies Volunteers Brighten L’Arche Homes
A round of applause to the eight incredible volunteers from The Peterson Companies who generously participated in a Care Day aimed at helping to refresh two L’Arche homes in Arlington. L’Arche is an interdenominational Christian community that provides lifelong, supportive housing for adults with intellectual disabilities. The volunteers spent the day repainting bedrooms and railings, bringing new life and warmth to the homes. Their hard work not only improved the physical spaces but also contributed to the sense of dignity, comfort, and belonging that L’Arche strives to provide its residents every day. We’re grateful for their commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community!
Improving Lives at House of Hope Through Partnership and Service
A heartfelt thank you to the 13 dedicated volunteers from Lennar who generously gave their time to assemble bunk beds purchased by HomeAid for House of Hope in Front Royal, VA. Their efforts were part of a larger initiative aimed at improving living conditions for the men seeking shelter and support at this vital nonprofit. In addition to the volunteer support, HomeAid partnered with Van Metre Homes, Timberlake Cabinetry, ESS Universal, and Terra Stoneworks to provide essential renovations and upgrades. Together, these partners contributed $23,648.39 worth of labor, materials, and expertise, all of which was 100% donated to help create a safer, more comfortable, and dignified space for the residents of House of Hope.
HomeAid Golf Tournament
Friday, September 19, 2025, 7:00 AM registration and 8:00 AM Shotgun Start
Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club
41601 Raspberry Drive
Leesburg, VA, 20176
Pulte Golf Tournament
Thursday, August 28, 2025, 7:30 AM registration and 9:00 AM Start
Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club
41601 Raspberry Drive
Leesburg, VA, 20176
