Nov. 7, 2016 – Chantilly, VA — HomeAid Northern Virginia (HANV), which builds and renovates homeless shelters and housing facilities via the donated expertise, labor and resources of the local homebuilder business community, recognized two local businesses and a nonprofit for making a positive community impact and serving vulnerable families in the Northern Virginia region. HomeAid presented the following awards at its annual gala on Nov. 5th at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles:
Nonprofit Service Provider Project of the Year Award: ACTS Turning Points Domestic Violence Services
Action in Community Through Services (ACTS) provides support services for Prince William County and surrounding areas focused on housing and homelessness, domestic abuse, sexual assault, suicide prevention, crisis helplines and food pantries. ACTS’ “Turning Points” Domestic Violence Services provide the only comprehensive domestic violence intervention program serving Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. The ACTS safe house is available anytime day or night, providing shelter for adults and children fleeing domestic abuse. ACTS also provides comprehensive case management including counseling, support groups, job placement, housing assistance, advocacy on court proceedings and assistance applying for a protective order to stop the abuse. In FY2016, the ACTS home served as a safe haven for 67 adult victims of domestic violence and 98 children. HomeAid Northern Virginia – together with “Builder Captain” Winchester Homes and its team of 14 local homebuilder trade partners – partnered with ACTS to renovate their domestic violence safe house’s small and outdated kitchen. The kitchen was original to the house from when it was constructed years ago as a two-bedroom property. After many additions, the home today serves as a safe haven for up to 18 individuals. The kitchen simply could no longer accommodate the number of people it served. HANV transformed the kitchen into an expanded gathering space with modern appliances for residents and families to prepare and share meals and congregate for family time. The kitchen renovation also addressed the need of children in the shelter with the inclusion of study tables and bright lights along the perimeter, creating homework spaces much like study spaces provided in libraries. The award recognizes ACTS’ impact on its community and on the lives of the clients it serves.
Trade Partner of the Year Award: Signature Companies
HomeAid’s trade partners are those in the home building industry – suppliers, manufacturers, electricians, plumbers, etc. – who play meaningful roles in shelter construction projects by donating materials, time, labor and expertise. Family-owned Signature Companies is a Haymarket, Va.-based supplier of kitchen/bath cabinetry and manufacturer of stairways, railings, built-in cabinetry and countertops. Signature Companies has participated on 10 HomeAid Northern Virginia projects, providing labor, resources and materials worth more than $70,000 towards the improvements of shelters and supportive housing facilities. This year, Signature Companies assisted with the kitchen renovation of a Pathway Homes townhouse property in Reston that serves adults with serious mental illness, and the renovation of a New Hope Housing property in Alexandria providing housing to families that have at least one parent facing a disability. Other projects Signature Companies supported with HomeAid include the renovation of an eight-unit facility for the Loudoun Transitional Housing Program/Volunteers of America in (2013), and renovation of an Alternative House property for young mothers trying to finish their education and gain employment (2013). The Trade Partner of the Year award recognizes Signature Companies’ willingness to regularly step up, pitch in, and provide tremendous assistance with HomeAid’s projects to serve our region’s communities. The Trade Partner of the Year Award was sponsored by Builders FirstSource.
Presidents’ Award: Russell Rosenberger of Madison Homes
Russell (“Russ”) S. Rosenberger, Jr., president of Tysons Corner-based Madison Homes, was awarded the 2016 Presidents’ Award, HomeAid’s most prestigious award for individuals. Russ has a long tenure of involvement with HomeAid Northern Virginia: a member of its board of directors since 2004, Russ has served as board president twice, first in 2006 and again in 2013. Under Russ’ leadership, Madison Homes has completed four shelter projects with HomeAid Northern Virginia, leaving lasting impact on the Northern Virginia region and ensuring that vulnerable families have access to safe and stable housing options. Madison Homes led renovations to the Doorways for Women and Families shelter (Arlington) and Shelter House/NOVACO (Fairfax) shelters, both transitional housing programs that provide a secure place for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Most recently, Madison Homes served as the “builder captain” for a renovation of a Community Residences group home in Arlington providing housing and services to individuals with mental health and intellectual disabilities.
More than $365,000 Raised at Annual Gala
HomeAid Northern Virginia’s 2016 annual gala raised more than $365,000 to build and renovate homeless shelters and supportive housing facilities. Intercoastal Mortgage Company served as the presenting sponsor of the event that included more than 400 people in attendance.
About HomeAid Northern Virginia
HomeAid Northern Virginia, a chapter of HomeAid America, convenes and mobilizes the local homebuilding business community and its corporate partners to undertake new construction and major renovations for homeless shelters and supporting housing facilities owned by nonprofit service providers that help homeless individuals and families in our community gain stability and get back on the road to self-sufficiency. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the organization was started in 2001 by members of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA) and, since then, has completed more than 112 projects valued at more than $14.6 million, serving more than 97,000 homeless individuals.