As you will read about in this issue of Building Hope, we recently put the finishing touches on a $170,000 project for The Laurel Center in Winchester, Va., marking the first time we’ve worked with this nonprofit. There’s so much to be proud of with this project, and I’m particularly excited that the impact of this project will be entirely focused on programs and workforce development for the clients they serve.
The Laurel Center provides emergency shelter and support services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their dependent children, with a philosophy of empowerment through support and education. To continue to grow, however, they needed space to house their Empowerment Program. After receiving a bid for $200,000 from a contractor that was well beyond their budget to renovate a building for their programs, they reached out to HomeAid for help. We were able to pull a team together to cover the majority of the construction costs. The result? By meeting them where they were, and letting our design and build experts create the space specifically tailored to their needs, they now have additional funds to focus directly on programming and people. Depending on need, that could mean job readiness, life and job skills training; help with understanding job opportunities; connection to employers; and hands-on work experience at the Railroad Café, a reimagined CSX train station across the street, which the Laurel Center purchased and converted to a restaurant that also provides workforce training opportunities for clients.
On our scope of work sheet, this project looks like so many others – paint, luxury vinyl plank flooring, bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances, and lighting. But in reality, it’s so much more. It’s a welcoming space for women coming out of domestic violence situations. It’s a place of stability where they can find peace and hope and the tools they need to grow. It’s accessibility, the Empowerment Program is located within walking distance to The Laurel Center’s emergency shelter. It’s a source of life skills, which is an enormous piece of the puzzle to healing and getting back on their feet. This is HomeAid.
With gratitude,
If you’re looking for the perfect opportunity to bring colleagues out for an afternoon of team building and fun, we have the perfect event for you: Join us for HomeAid’s GolfAid on March 5, 3:30-6:30 p.m., at TopGolf Loudoun! It’s a great way to bring partners and potential new clients together to help build company culture and generate new business. At the same time, all proceeds from the event will support HomeAid in transforming spaces and providing nonprofits with the resources they need to better assist our neighbors, expand their critical programs, and make a lasting impact on the people they serve.
We also offer three tiers of registration to ensure we can meet the needs of every individual and team—so whether you’re a diehard golfer, a non-golfer, or somewhere in between, there’s an option that’s right for you.
Full Bay
$1,500
Includes an entire bay for up to six golfers to enjoy three hours of unlimited play along with food, beer, and wine.
Individual Ticket
$300
A single ticket which includes unlimited play for three hours along with food, beer, and wine.
Networking Ticket
$200
Network with industry leaders while helping raise money for HomeAid. Food and beverage provided. Golf is not included.
Registration is open, so register today and secure your spot! Interested in volunteering at the event? We’re always looking for help with registration and check-in, raffle, merchandise, and setup/breakdown. For questions regarding registration or volunteering contact Michelle Fargher.
All funds raised will directly support upcoming projects. Help us give new hope to those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, including kids, single moms, veterans, intellectually disabled adults, and countless others who are coming out of crisis and need a hand up.
In December, HomeAid National Capital Region, Builder Captain Richmond American Homes, and 21 trade partners gathered to celebrate a ribbon cutting of a major renovation completed at The Laurel Center, a Winchester-based nonprofit that empowers those affected by domestic and sexual violence by providing emergency housing, advocacy, outreach, support services, education, and awareness.
The $170,000 project focused on a 3,200-square-foot building that houses The Laurel Center’s Empowerment Center, which addresses the unique challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence, challenges that often hinder their ability to pursue education, job training, and long-term stability.
Crews added an office, copy room, server room, and ADA-compliant bathroom, and sealed off an old intake window to create another new office. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring was installed throughout to improve cleanliness and functionality, new lighting across the facility enhanced comfort and safety, a handicapped-accessible water fountain was installed, and the interior was freshly painted. In the relocated breakroom, new countertops, cabinets, and a refrigerator were installed. An electrical panel was also relocated to better accommodate programming and classes. Outside, improvements were made to enhance accessibility and functionality, including a handicap-accessible ramp leading into the Empowerment Center.
“This renovated space will make an immediate and lasting difference for the survivors we serve,” said Faith B. Power, Ed.D., executive director of The Laurel Center. “The improvements will allow our staff to deliver critical services more effectively and give survivors a welcoming environment where they can begin healing and preparing for their futures. We are deeply thankful to HomeAid, Richmond American Homes, and every trade partner who helped bring this vision to life.”
Thank you, Richmond American Homes and the following Trade Partners, for providing and enhancing space where survivors can achieve economic self-sufficiency and independence.
Annandale Millwork and Allied Systems
Atlantic Building Supply, Inc.
Builders First Source, Inc.
Colonial Sash & Door, Inc.
Colorworld Painting & Drywall Services, Inc.
Countryside Electric
Darvish Interiors
GE Appliances
GLS Plumbing
K&M Contracting, Inc.
Loudoun Stairs, Inc.
MasterBrand Cabinets
Metro Stone Works
Ridgerunner Container Service
Sherwin Williams
Smartcom Home Technologies
Star Concrete Foundation, Inc.
V&M Builders and Contractors, LLC
Virginia Cleaning and Punchout
William H. Metcalfe & Sons, Inc.
Wetzel & Son Enterprises, Inc.
HomeAid National Capital Region, first-time Builder Captain Dream Finders Homes, and 18 trade partners will soon begin transforming a large, empty garage into functional organization and storage space to support Pathway Homes’ community services programs in Fairfax, VA. The renovation project will include creating a dedicated food storage area and adding a secure and efficient space specifically designed to house supplies that will stock the nonprofit’s new Mobile Outreach Unit (MOU).
Pathway Homes’ MOU was launched in the fourth quarter of 2025 through grant support, with the goal of using a retrofitted trailer to bring services, including showers, directly to people experiencing homelessness in Northern Virginia, starting in Fairfax and Prince William Counties. The Pathway Homes’ trailer also offers case management support and other direct outreach services.
“Ending homelessness requires innovation. Providing a wheeled response to those facing homelessness will help us meet the needs of the unsheltered and provide interaction with case managers to help people move off the streets,” explained Sylisa Lambert-Woodard, CEO, Pathway Homes. “By bringing Pathway’s services directly to those in need, we can build trust and restore dignity to those experiencing homelessness who otherwise may not seek services on their own. This will become another important and collaborative tool to help prevent and end homelessness in our community.”
Thank you, Dream Finders Homes, and the following trade partners, for helping update this facility, which will streamline Pathways’ operations, increase capacity, and strengthen the impact of ongoing outreach to our unhoused neighbors.
ABW Appliances
Blazeguard, Inc.
Buhl Electric
Capital Mechanical LLC
Capitol Building Supply
Eastern Applicators, Inc.
Green Village Concrete, Inc.
James Hardie Industries
Interior Logic Group (ILG)
Masonry Design, Inc.
McCrea Heating & AC
Nova Recon
Solid Construction
Southland Insulators
Terra Stoneworks
TNT Services Group
Trinity Wiring & Security Solutions
Virginia Cleaning and Punchout, LLC
Anna Major, senior project architect with Ralston Architects, has been an instrumental part of HomeAid’s Gala & Auction for the last two years, willing to put in the time, go the extra mile, connect us with people she thinks will be a great fit, and work relentlessly to ensure the Gala is one to remember. With the 2026 Gala Committee looking for volunteers, it seemed a great time to sit down with Anna and find out what drives her.
Q: Why did you first decide to get involved, and what do you think is your “secret sauce” in helping make the Gala a success?
A: I’ve volunteered on Gala committees in the past and have always loved being part of them—I enjoy the energy, collaboration, and the opportunity to help create an event that really makes an impact. I first got involved with HomeAid after meeting the team when they were sharing office space during their renovation; getting to know the group and learning more about the mission made me want to be part of it in a more meaningful way.
If I have a “secret sauce,” it’s probably a mix of enthusiasm, organization, and genuinely enjoying the process. I like bringing people together, thinking through details, and helping translate big ideas into an event that feels thoughtful, welcoming, and purposeful. When everyone feels connected, it really shows—and that’s what makes the Gala so successful.
Q: What do you think makes our Gala worth attending?
A: It’s more than a social event—it’s an experience that clearly connects people to each other and to HomeAid. Guests don’t just hear about the impact; they feel it through the stories shared, the people in the room, and the tangible outcomes the organization creates. There’s a strong sense of purpose behind every element of the evening, which makes the Gala both meaningful and memorable.
Personally, I always want the silent auction to feel genuinely rewarding for everyone involved—where bidders are excited about the items and experiences, feel good about participating, and know their support is directly benefiting HomeAid’s mission.
Q: What have you learned about homelessness through your work with us? What would you tell another person who might be considering volunteering?
A: Addressing homelessness is deeply collaborative and much more nuanced than many people realize. The impact HomeAid makes comes from strong partnerships. I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for how thoughtful planning, design, and community support can directly contribute to housing stability and dignity for those served.
For anyone considering volunteering, I would genuinely say: We need you. HomeAid relies on passionate volunteers to help carry the mission forward, and the more people involved, the greater the impact we can make. There’s a place for everyone, whether you enjoy event planning, relationship-building, logistics, or creative thinking. The Gala Committee in particular benefits from people who bring energy and fresh ideas. It’s a fun way to support the mission while helping create an event that truly makes a difference!
First-time Grant from IBP
Thank you, Josh Walker with East Coast Insulators, for connecting us with the Installed Building Products (IBP) Foundation, and thank you to the Foundation for your generous $10,000 grant award! This was our first grant application with IBP, a residential insulation installer. The Foundation was started by and for IBP employees in 2019, and the Foundation has donated over $10 million through its scholarship program, employee financial assistance, major grants, and matching gift options. We’re proud to be part of their philanthropy!
Welcome
Please join us in welcoming Gray Coyner, Principal at Thompson Greenspon, to HomeAid’s Board of Directors! Gray has been a dedicated volunteer and donor for many years, helping to launch our first Care Day with NVBIA Future Leaders and lending a hand each year to ensure our Gala & Auction is a success. We are thrilled to have him join our Board and look forward to his continued leadership and support.
As We Celebrate 25 Years
In 2007, HomeAid completed its first ground-up construction project for Doorways, a nonprofit based in Arlington, Virginia that provides services, emergency shelter, and supportive housing for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their families. This landmark project was made possible through a unique partnership among corporate philanthropists, government, and the homebuilding community, culminating in the opening of Doorways’ “Freddie Mac Foundation Family Home”, a 7,200-square-foot residence with a retail value of $2.4 million. The project was launched with a $500,000 lead gift from the Freddie Mac Foundation and brought to life through HomeAid’s collaboration with NVHomes, which managed construction and donated more than $400,000 in labor and materials.
GolfAid
Thursday, March 5, 2026 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Topgolf Loudoun
20356 Commonwealth Center Dr.
Ashburn, VA 20147
