As you will discover in this issue of Building Hope, we celebrated the completion of a project at Second Story for Young Mothers, along with Builder Partner Stanley Martin Homes. Longtime supporters may remember Second Story by its original name – Alternative House – and you might even remember that our very first project in 2001 was for Alternative House, with Stanley Martin one of the driving forces in getting the project off the ground. This full-circle moment is one that I find deeply gratifying, as it signifies the longevity of our partnerships with those in the building community and with our nonprofit partners. It also celebrates the very essence of why we do what we do: to be there when nonprofits and the people they serve need us. In this case, Second Story for Mothers marks a turning point in young mothers’ lives as they seek to break the cycle of homelessness and give their children a safe and positive start.
Second Story for Young Mothers serves pregnant and parenting women aged 16-24, recognizing that many young mothers experiencing homelessness are fleeing a domestic violence situation and find themselves facing an impossible choice: leave their abuser and become homeless or stay in an abusive situation so they and their child can have a place to live. Second Story provides housing, counseling, and training, putting an emphasis on parenting skills, completing an education, job readiness, and basic self-sufficiency. Those who are 18-22 years old can live independently in townhomes owned by Second Story for up to 18 months, like the one we just renovated, and receive comprehensive counseling and other services to help meet their basic needs and life skills support to help them on their road to independence.
That’s the kind of impact we’re making every time we take on a project. We’re changing the lives of the women who are moving in this month, most certainly … but we’re also changing their children’s lives, and the countless women and children who will follow in their footsteps helping to break the cycle of homelessness. Thank you for doing this important work with us.
With gratitude,
HomeAid, Builder Captain Van Metre Homes, and several trade partners will begin a major renovation project this month for House of Hope in Front Royal. As the only residential rehabilitation program serving men in Warren County, we are excited to help support this critically important program for homeless men who are ready and committed to making a permanent change in their lives, as House of Hope provides shelter, food, and guidance from a professional staff of case workers who develop with each client a proactive plan to re-enter society as a productive citizen with stable housing.
Currently serving 12 men in a very rudimentary, converted bay garage, HomeAid and partners will transform the kitchenette into a fully equipped kitchen, with full-sized appliances that invite cooking and connection. We will update bathrooms, paint the interior, and install spacious bunk beds with built-in storage. The roof will be replaced, the flooring repaired, and the back and front porches will be razed and rebuilt. The team will also build a shed for storage.
The transformation of the House of Hope – like all of our projects, is not just about bricks and mortar. Rather, it will be a project where we create a home where every man can find solace and hope as they rebuild their lives. We are honored to help the House of Hope more effectively fill this critical gap in a community where such desperately needed services are hard to come by.
Follow our progress in our photo library, and watch this newsletter for future updates!
We’re starting the year out with a bang, with a second ribbon-cutting in as many months in the new year – this time, with Builder Captain Stanley Martin Homes, 16 trade partners, and nonprofit partner Second Story for Young Mothers. The renovation project – 100 percent of which was donated by HomeAid and partners – involved completely remodeling a three-level, three-bedroom townhome to create a welcoming and functional space for young mothers and their children. The project also included a Project Playhouse, giving the gift of imagination and play to residents’ children.
The $70,151 project included fresh paint throughout, updated bathrooms, and renewed electrical systems in the staff offices to improve efficiency and safety. The HVAC system was repaired, and flooring upstairs was upgraded to luxury vinyl plank – easy to maintain and keep clean for busy households with young children. Custom built-ins were added to enhance storage and organization, the carpet on the staircase was replaced with durable high-traffic carpet, and the kitchen received new appliances, countertops, a backsplash, and updated hardware. Outside, in addition to the playhouse, landscaping helped create inviting, well-maintained outdoor spaces to recharge, play, and gather.
The project felt extra special to us, as Second Story (formerly Alternative House) was our very first project back when we were first founded in 2001. Thank you, Stanley Martin Homes and trade partners, for donating your time, expertise, and materials to this important project!
We’re just one short month away from GolfAid, to be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. – have you registered yet? Slots are filling fast, with a great group of supporters looking forward to networking with top builders and trade partners, teambuilding with colleagues, and enjoying TopGolf Loudoun’s 34 climate-controlled bays.
Come join us – and whether you’re a golfer or prefer the 19th hole, we’ve got you covered: We’re again offering two types of registrations – one for golfers, which offers full access to everything the event has to offer including three hours of unlimited golf, and one for networkers, which offers access to great food, drinks, and networking (no golf).
All funds raised will directly support upcoming projects and will, in turn, provide nonprofits with the essential resources they need to better assist our neighbors, grow their critical programs, and have a lasting impact on the people they serve.
For over 70 years, MasterBrand has been shaping the places where people come together, enriching lives, and creating meaningful memories for their customers. Their stylish products and dedicated employees have driven them to partner with HomeAid and give back to the communities in which they operate. Continue reading to learn more about why giving back is an integral part of MasterBrand’s company culture.
Q: Masterbrand has been involved with HomeAid since 2010 and has completed 11 projects with us. How did you first find out about us, and what has inspired you/your company to keep saying “yes!” to HomeAid?
A: We first discovered HomeAid through our connections within the industry and our relationships with builders. Right from the start, we were captivated by the organization’s mission. Since 2010, it’s been inspiring to see how HomeAid makes a positive impact by providing safe and dignified housing for those in need. Each project we collaborate on, offers a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community. It’s an honor to be part of a collective effort to support families in need, and we continue our involvement because HomeAid’s work truly makes a difference. Being part of this process is incredibly rewarding.
Q: If another trade partner was considering getting involved with and supporting HomeAid, what would you tell them?
A: Working with HomeAid lets us create lasting change and build hope for those in need. We see the immediate impact on lives and feel a strong sense of purpose. Contributing to the community is invaluable, and HomeAid’s dedicated team makes it easy to get involved and stay connected.
Q: What have you been most surprised to learn about homelessness since your involvement with HomeAid began?
A: Homelessness is complex and affects people from all backgrounds, often due to unexpected events like job loss or health issues. It’s surprising how close it can be, impacting families unexpectedly. This underscores the importance of HomeAid’s work in creating housing solutions and raising awareness about homelessness, fostering compassion in our community.
Staff Appreciation
Please join us in a huge show of appreciation and gratitude for Marcia Gattoni, HomeAid’s longtime accountant, who will be retiring this month. Marcia has been with us for 10 years, and we wish her well in her next chapter! We’ll miss you, Marcia!
Thank You, Toll Brothers!
An appreciative round of applause to Toll Brothers and the eight volunteers who turned out for a Care Day for “PathForward” on January 22 and 23. PathForward is a nonprofit partner in Arlington, which seeks to empower those experiencing homelessness to build a foundation of lasting stability from the ground up. With support services including removing barriers to personal self-sufficiency, the Care Day volunteers were tasked with making bagged lunches and serving warm meals, as well as organizing clothing that had been donated for nonprofit clients. To find out more about our Care Day program, check out this recent video we created, and contact Tammy Glasser for more information!
GolfAid
Thursday, March 13, 2025
3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
TopGolf Loudoun
20356 Commonwealth Center Dr.
Ashburn, VA 20147
