Family Reunited for First Time in Nine Years

Nine years ago, Abu left his family behind in Africa to come to America for work. He’s been renting a room in Alexandria, Va., ever since, sending money home to his family as they continued in their efforts to secure American visas. This spring, the visas were granted, but along with the excitement of reuniting with family came the stress of trying to find a place to live.

Around the same time, HomeAid Northern Virginia and Brookfield Homes were wrapping up a $16,500 project for Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), renovating a townhome used for low- and no-income residents. Brookfield Homes, along with seven trade partners, replaced all of the plumbing on the main floor as well as water-damaged drywall and flooring; painted the interior; retiled the kitchen and breakfast nook; retiled and regrouted a bathroom; replaced carpet on the stairs, hallways and bedrooms; and replaced the stove.

“HomeAid is a great partner for us, and working on these projects is a tremendous way for us to turn things around for families,” said Marc Dalessio, production manager for Brookfield. “We’ve partnered with them a lot over the past 10 years, and it’s always a win-win. We have the relationships with builders and trade partners, and it’s an easy way for us to utilize our expertise. We’re happy to help.”

“This property needed a lot of work, and Brookfield made it so easy,” added Karen Cebula, program manager for community housing and financial assistance at NVFS. “They were a joy to work with, and it’s just amazing to see what they could do in such a short amount of time.”

The project was completed in mid-June, and by month’s end, Abu and his family moved in, together again for the first time in nine years.