As 2025 comes to a close, it feels right to reflect on our impact through the year – for the difference we were able to make for our nonprofit partners, for the connections we deepened with industry partners and supporters, and for the real change we made within our communities. This past year was exceptional in all aspects of our mission – construction, community engagement, and education – and I’m so grateful for the dedication and generosity that made it possible.
This generosity, combined with the strong foundation of trust that so many in the community grant us, allowed us to complete four construction projects, contributing more than $379,022 in donated time, labor and materials. We also completed 17 Turnover Projects – the most we have ever completed in a single year. We hosted nine Care Days with 169 volunteers, whose time was valued at $17,621, and we delivered a record 1,182,520 diapers and wipes to 46 nonprofit partners across our region.
The numbers alone are impressive, but they are a simple way of measuring impact. What they don’t show is the human impact which isn’t always easy to measure but is far more important.
Our Care Days go far beyond a day of volunteerism; volunteers are completing important work that our nonprofits simply would not have the time or capacity to tackle without the help.
Our Turnover Program saves nonprofit partners time and critical funding but most importantly, allows them to provide a safe and dignified housing unit with new flooring and paint for an individual or family moving out of homelessness and into stability.
Our construction projects create reimagined, beautiful, and expanded spaces for healing to those who need the hand-up in our community. They provide a wonderful opportunity for the building industry to give back in the most meaningful way, and they ensure the nonprofits we partner with have exactly what they need to continue their mission. More affordable housing options in an area where it is needed most, a custom food hub to reach those who are unhoused with basic needs, critical workforce development opportunities for survivors of domestic violence, and shelter for teen moms who have nowhere else to go.
Every project we complete becomes a foundation for someone’s future. The renovations we provide will support people for years to come. To care for others – even a stranger – is to say, in a thousand small ways, ‘your story matters’, and ‘you don’t walk it alone’. Thank you for your compassion and your support. I look forward to continuing our important work in 2026.
Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays.
With gratitude,
Approximately 300 supporters and guests turned out for HomeAid National Capital Region’s “Secret Garden” Gala & Auction, presented by Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, on November 15. Together, we shared stories and celebrated the extraordinary impact that occurs when HomeAid, our constituents, and our nonprofit partners unite with a shared commitment to support individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Through construction, community engagement, and education, this collaboration helps people rebuild their lives and create pathways to a brighter future. We also raised more than $225,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and the silent and live auctions, as well as through the Paddle Challenge, with Steve and Marjie Alloy generously matching up to $20,000.
Capping the night was the presentation of the Presidents’ Circle Awards, recognizing those in the community who have shown exceptional dedication to the goal of ending homelessness in the National Capital Region. HomeAid National Capital Region extended deep gratitude to the Builder Captains who transform plans on paper into safe, welcoming spaces; the Trade Partners whose skill, dedication, and generosity make every project possible; the nonprofit partners who tirelessly serve the community and meet critical needs; the donors whose support sustains HomeAid’s mission; and the volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart. You bring HomeAid’s work to life every day, and it was wonderful to celebrate with everyone and see the impact each of us are collectively making in our community. Congratulations to our 2025 Presidents’ Circle Award Winners:
Presidents’ Award: Jarod Blaney with Pulte Homes
The Presidents’ Circle award is presented to an individual, company, or organization that has shown exceptional dedication of creating safe and dignified housing and programmatic facilities for nonprofits throughout the region. With more than 20 years of experience in the homebuilding industry, Jarod Blaney brings a deep understanding of the profound impact that housing can have on families and communities. Introduced to HomeAid by Stanley Martin Homes CEO, Steve Alloy, Jarod was inspired by Steve’s vision of uniting the homebuilding industry to serve those in need, and he has been instrumental in sustaining and growing PulteGroup’s decade-long partnership with HomeAid ever since. Under his leadership, the company has hosted the PulteGroup golf tournament for over 10 years, raising nearly $1 million to support HomeAid’s mission. During his tenure on HomeAid’s Board of Directors from 2017 to 2020, Jarod also played a key role in expanding HomeAid’s reach and strengthened its capacity to navigate economic shifts with resilience.
Trade Partner of the Year: Southern Electrical
The Trade Partner of the Year award is presented to a vendor, trade partner, or industry leader that has gone above and beyond in their service to HomeAid and our nonprofit partners. Beginning in 2009, Faron Lee and the Southern Electrical team began volunteering with HomeAid. Since then, they have contributed to 15 projects, donating more than $133,000 in time, labor, materials, and financial support. This family-owned and operated company has impacted thousands of lives through their longstanding partnership and unwavering support of HomeAid’s mission.
Nonprofit Project of the Year: Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia
The nonprofit project of the year award recognizes one of our nonprofit partners that demonstrates a greater ability to serve clients and make a positive impact towards their mission due to partnering with HomeAid. This year, we honored Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia, founded in 1983 by Pastor Charlie Grant, who laid the foundation for what became the region’s first organized homeless shelter – the Loudoun County Emergency Housing Alliance.
Over the decades, Good Shepherd has grown to operate an immediate needs shelter and six transitional homes for single women, single mothers, and families. The nonprofit also manages retail thrift stores across Ashburn, Sterling, Chantilly, and Leesburg, along with a small food pantry. HomeAid, Builder Captain Knutson Companies, and 19 dedicated trade partners provided long-awaited upgrades to Good Shepherd’s Peace House, a single-family home in Leesburg, VA. Renovations included a remodeled kitchen and updates to the HVAC system, bathrooms, and laundry room. The team repainted and added new lighting throughout, repaired the exterior stairways and windows, and built and installed a custom playhouse for the children who will live at Peace House. Renovations saved Good Shepherd over $118,464 in labor, time, and expertise, allowing them to funnel their limited resources into programs and services for the families they serve. Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia also received a $1,000 donation from HomeAid National Capital Region.
Thank you Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, presenting sponsor, and the 35 additional event sponsors. You all helped make this year’s event an enormous success! If you missed this year’s event, be sure to browse the Gala & Auction Flickr album, courtesy of photographers Bob Narod and The Five Arrows.
In November, HomeAid, DRB Homes, and 14 trade partners gathered together in partnership with Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia for the third time in under a year to celebrate the completed renovation of another project. The $161,400 project created a safer, more comfortable, and more functional living environment that supports stability, healing, and independence for mothers and children transitioning out of homelessness.
Inside the single-family home, trade partners repainted throughout, upgraded appliances, replaced flooring, and inspected and repaired the electrical and HVAC systems. Bathrooms were improved and restored for functionality and cleanliness, and in the case manager’s office, shelving was added to improve organization and storage capacity. Outside, lighting fixtures were repaired, with lights added to improve safety and visibility. The foundation was repaired, rotting trim was replaced, landscaping cleared, and insulation and handrails added to the cellar space. The roof was also completely replaced.
“HomeAid completes lots of construction projects each year, but when a nonprofit like Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia returns to partner with us again, it’s a true sign of trust and the value they place on us as a community partner,” said Kristyn Burr, CEO of HomeAid NCR. “Partnerships like this are essential when serving vulnerable populations. Good Shepherd is doing critical work by connecting people to housing, case management, and providing access to basic needs. We’re honored to have created not just one, but three welcoming spaces that support meaningful personal growth for those in crisis.”
Thank you, DRB Homes and all of the trade partners, for helping Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia provide hope, safe shelter, and a path to independence for the women and children who call this property home.
The days leading up to HomeAid’s Annual Gala are always busy, and this year was especially so as we celebrated the completion of not one but two renovation projects for Langley Residential Support Services (LRSS). LRSS, a nonprofit in Fairfax County, VA, serving adults with developmental disabilities, their families, and the broader community through quality, comprehensive residential and community support services. This fall, HomeAid, Builder Captain K. Hovnanian Homes, and 32 trade partners joined together to renovate two different group houses for individuals with development disabilities, saving LRSS $146,678 in labor, time, and expertise.
At the Indigo house – a five-bedroom home that will serve three adults and one caregiver plus a room dedicated to secure storage of medications – the team painted throughout and replaced window blinds, flooring, hardware and bathroom vanities. In the kitchen, they updated cabinets and appliances; outside, they repaired a gazebo and exterior stairs and inspected the roof. Similar renovations and upgrades were made at the Junior League property – a 1,500-square-foot three-bedroom home just a few miles away.
“Life in a Langley home mirrors life in the homes of most adults, and at HomeAid, we strive to provide spaces where people can complete daily tasks inside their home with safety and ease,” said HomeAid National Capital Region CEO Kristyn Burr. “We want to further enable residents to live as so many of us do – by coming home from work or their day outside the home, preparing dinner, going to basketball practice or book club, watching a favorite TV show, preparing for the next day, and getting ready for bed.”
Thank you to K. Hovnanian Homes and the 32 trade partners who helped create an inclusive, more welcoming environment at both LRSS homes, where resident adults can now thrive.
Darvish Construction Co. and Darvish Interiors have been major supporters of HomeAid for many years, with representation on our Board, involvement and support of our events, and as partners on our renovation projects. Dan Howard, general manager of Darvish Interiors, has been especially instrumental with our many Turnover projects this year, always among the first to raise his hand with an offer to help. Most recently, he even oversaw the installation of turf for our “Secret Garden”-themed Gala in November! Let’s find out more about what drives Dan to stay involved – and what he’d tell anyone considering doing the same.
Q: What have you found most personally inspirational about HomeAid?
A: I used to work for Floors Inc., and when HomeAid was first launched, I helped out on one of their first projects – a men’s shelter. Since I joined Darvish about 10 years ago, I’ve been involved with easily 50 different projects, working alongside a wide range of Builder Captains who are our partners day-to-day. The Turnovers really cranked up this year, and I’m glad for the opportunity. Sometimes the turnaround to get them done is really tight, and they’re often in bad shape. It can be a lot of work. But when we see how hard all these nonprofits are working to make these homes ready for families in need, it’s impossible to not want to jump in and help give people a nice place to live. Everyone is doing incredible work and the HomeAid staff make it easy to want to help.
Q: What have you learned about homelessness in Northern Virginia?
A: I was so naive, especially when I think about Loudoun County. It’s the richest county in America, yet there’s a food pantry with lines regularly out the door. I think a big learning moment for me has been realizing the sheer number of organizations helping to improve the lives of so many. I knew homelessness was an issue, and I knew there were different groups helping … but I didn’t realize the magnitude. And while I don’t typically meet the families we serve, I’ve heard their stories at events like the Gala, and those hit you pretty good. It’s just a great thing to be involved with.
Q: What would you tell another trade partner who might be considering getting involved with HomeAid?
A: Do it. It’s definitely worth it, and you will feel so much better about everything. We all benefit from the homebuilding and construction industry in our communities, and it doesn’t take much to give back by participating when you can.
Home Essentials Drive
HomeAid’s Home Essentials Drive is in full swing, as we work to collect household basics for our completed projects and our nonprofit partners who work with people transitioning from homelessness into housing. This year we have provided 17 Essential Kits valued at over $8,000 to individuals and families moving into stability. Please make sure to check out our wish lists on Wal-Mart and Amazon, which will be “live” through the end of the year, and help us continue to bring comfort, dignity, and a sense of home to families in our region. All household essentials will be shipped directly to our office, where the items will be organized and picked up by our nonprofit partners serving families and individuals moving out of homelessness and into housing. Questions? Please contact Erica Simpson.
Happy Holidays
In observance of the winter holidays, HomeAid National Capital Region offices will be closed December 24 through January 1. We will reopen on January 2.
GolfAid
Thursday, March 5, 2026 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Topgolf Loudoun
20356 Commonwealth Center Dr.
Ashburn, VA 20147
HomeAid Home Essential Drive
Collection Starts Now through December 21, 2025
Shop Wal-Mart or Amazon
