It’s summertime, when many kids are riding bikes outside, going to camp, spending the day at the pool, and making memories with friends. But for children whose families are struggling or are experiencing homelessness, summer can look very different. Without the structure of school, access to breakfast and lunch programs, or opportunities to play with classmates the long days can feel isolating and uncertain.
That’s why the gift of play matter so much.
Through HomeAid National Capital Region’s Project Playhouse program, we partner with builders to design and construct custom playhouses for nonprofits serving children experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. These playhouses are far more than backyard structures, they are places where children can dream, imagine, create, and simply enjoy the freedom of being a kid.
Our newest Project Playhouse is being built by Christopher Companies for Family Shelter Services in Warrenton, where 40 children are living with their families in 22 transitional housing units. Before construction even begins, we’re inviting the kids to be part of the process by providing them with sketch sheets, where they can draw their dream playhouse. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that their voices matter, their ideas are important, and they deserve to be heard.
This will be our ninth playhouse since 2018, built with over $70,000 in donations. All are unique and customized to reflect the children and communities they serve; we’ve built ADA-compliant playhouses and even an equine-themed playhouse. No matter the design, we’re sending the critical message that kids deserve to be kids. And while their circumstances may differ greatly from so many of their peers, we see them, we celebrate them, and we want the same for them as we want for our own children and grandchildren.
I’m so grateful to our Builder Captains and Trade Partners for taking on these kinds of projects. While a playhouse may seem small compared to some of the major renovations we complete, its impact on a child can be immeasurable. Thank you for helping us meet our nonprofit partners needs and giving the gift of play.
As we look ahead to our next Project Playhouse, we’re excited to continue building spaces where childhood can thrive. If you’d like to help us create the next place where imagination comes to life, I’d love to hear from you.
With gratitude,
Hundreds of partners, supporters, and guests gathered for HomeAid National Capital Region’s Builders & Friends BBQ in June, and their generosity, partnership, and enthusiasm helped make the event a memorable celebration of the incredible work being done in our community.
The BBQ also provided the opportunity to announce and recognize our 2026 Trade Partner of the Year: HDS Drywall. This prestigious annual award is presented to a company that has gone above and beyond—a trade partner that consistently provides an invaluable service to our projects. HDS Drywall began their partnership with HomeAid in 2013 and has since contributed to eight HomeAid projects and 21 turnovers, donating more than $125,000 in time, labor, materials, and financial support.
“We are incredibly grateful for their longstanding partnership and unwavering support of our mission,” HomeAid CEO, Kristyn Burr, said in presenting the award. “It’s remarkable to think that HDS handled almost half of the total number of turnover projects we completed – providing brand new LVP flooring and paint to ensure that families could move into affordable housing units as quickly as possible. Their team has helped create lasting change and impacted thousands of lives.”
In addition to announcing the Trade Partner of the Year, the National Botanic Garden venue provided the perfect stage for an evening of camaraderie, networking, games, and friendship. Special thanks to Eric Stanley and Doug Wall from Liberty Street Band, Mission BBQ, Todd Canape, Lost Rhino craft beer, and C&C Frozen Treats, and to the many sponsors who made this event possible!
Pit Boss Presenting Sponsor
Grill King Beverage Sponsors
Smokehouse Raffle Sponsor
Prime Cut Food Sponsors
BBQ Master Sponsors
Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh
BBQ Chef Sponsors
Couldn’t make it this year? Be sure to check out our online photo album of this year’s BBQ!
For a second year in a row, we’ve achieved what once felt unimaginable: We collected more than one MILLION diapers and wipes for our Builders for Babies! After running a collection drive from Mother’s Day in May through Father’s Day in June, this week we contributed $1,292,097diapers and wipes to an unprecedented 52 nonprofit partners from Washington D.C. to Winchester and Front Royal to Richmond and points south, and throughout Northern Virginia, thanks to:
In addition, we’re grateful for the in-kind support from the following companies – we truly couldn’t have done this without you!
Overseeing the entire operation, from collection through delivery, were HomeAid’s Builders for Babies Co-Chairs, Peter Lee of EagleBank and Tom Hyde of Miller & Smith. Thank you for your leadership and vision in making this initiative a success.
Want to see what this year’s Builder for Babies really looked like? Check out our Flickr photo album!
HomeAid, first-time Builder Captain Dream Finders Homes, and 23 trade partners gathered in late June to celebrate the dedication of a $140,502 transformation of garage space into functional storage and support space that will support Pathway Homes’ newest program, a Mobile Outreach Unit (MOU). Using a retrofitted trailer, the MOU brings services including showers directly to people experiencing homelessness in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C.
Together HomeAid, Dream Finders Homes, and 23 trade partners converted a portion of the 950-square-foot garage into a secure storage and staging area where staff can stock supplies, food, hygiene products, and equipment for the Mobile Outreach Unit.
We added electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems and framed the parking garage space to create two new areas. The renovated interior features luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring and a small kitchen equipped with new cabinets, backsplash, countertops, a sink, dishwasher, and refrigerators and freezers. The project also included the installation of a new fire alarm system and lighting throughout.
“HomeAid National Capital Region and Dream Finders Homes are helping us renovate to innovate,” said Sylisa Lambert-Woodard, CEO of Pathway Homes. “Together, they have completed the first phase of converting a commercial property into a multi-purpose facility, beginning with a dedicated space to support our new Mobile Outreach Unit. Future phases will establish this building as our new headquarters while also creating space for housing and direct services. HomeAid’s vision and early investment will immediately expand access to healthy food for our neighbors in need, helping them live with the dignity and hope they deserve. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and commitment to our community.”
The Mobile Outreach Unit brings showers, hygiene supplies, food, and supportive services directly to individuals experiencing homelessness. Beyond meeting immediate needs, the program creates opportunities for Pathway Homes case managers to connect people living on the streets with housing resources, referrals, and pathways to permanent housing.
HomeAid is proud to play such an important role in Pathways’ ability to provide such important services to the communities they serve.
Thank you, Builder Captain Dream Finders Homes and the following trade partners for transforming garage space into supportive organizational and storage space for a unique community service!
This spring, we were pleased to welcome Dream Finders Homes into our team of Builder Captains, as they led their first project with us – transforming empty existing garage space to support Pathway Homes’ Mobile Outreach Unit. Curious to hear their first impressions as a Builder Captain, we sat down with Tony Cusumano, vice president of operations for Dream Finders Homes, to find out what the project meant to him and to the company.
Q: What led Dream Finders to say, ‘Yes!’ to serving as a Builder Captain for the first time, and what have you enjoyed most about leading this project?
A: As a homebuilder, creating communities is at the heart of what we do. Participating in the Pathway Homes Mobile Outreach Project gave us an opportunity to extend that mission beyond building homes and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. The timing for this project was right, and the purpose of the project resonated with our team.
I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work alongside the incredible teams at HomeAid and Pathway Homes: Learning more about their missions and seeing firsthand the positive impact they make in our community has been both inspiring and rewarding. It has been a privilege to contribute to a project that will provide essential services and support to individuals facing significant challenges.
Q: If you were talking with another builder that was considering serving as a Builder Captain, what would you tell them?
A: Take advantage of the opportunity to use their skills, expertise, and resources to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness. Participating in a project like this is incredibly rewarding, not only because of the positive impact it has on the community, but also because of the relationships it helps build along the way.
This experience has strengthened our partnerships with our trade partners and introduced us to the dedicated teams at HomeAid and Pathway Homes. Working alongside organizations that are committed to serving others has been both inspiring and fulfilling. The HomeAid team have been exceptional partners throughout the process, providing guidance, support, and collaboration every step of the way.
Q: What have you learned about homelessness in Northern Virginia through your work with HomeAid? How does it feel personally and professionally to know that you’re part of the solution?
A: I’ve learned that homelessness can affect people from all walks of life and that the circumstances leading to housing instability are often far more complex than many people realize. One of the most important lessons has been understanding that stable housing is a critical first step in helping individuals and families rebuild their lives and regain a sense of security and independence.
Personally and professionally, it is incredibly rewarding to know that we are part of a solution that creates lasting impact in our community. As homebuilders, we are fortunate to play a role in helping many people achieve the dream of homeownership. This project provided an opportunity to apply our construction expertise and resources in a different but equally meaningful way—supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
I’ve been proud to share this experience with my colleagues, friends, and family and to highlight Dream Finders Homes’ involvement in a project that will positively impact lives for years to come.
Sponsorships and Registrations for HomeAid’s Golf Tournament Are Open
Registration is now open for HomeAid’s annual Golf Tournament, proudly presented by Darvish Construction! Join us for one of our biggest and most anticipated summer events as golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and industry partners come together for a day of friendly competition, networking, and philanthropy in support of HomeAid’s mission to help individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, assembling a foursome, or volunteering on tournament day, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Don’t wait to reserve your spot—this tournament sells out every year, and sponsorship opportunities are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. We look forward to seeing you on the course!
Thank You
A warm round of applause to the 10 volunteers from Peterson Companies who rolled up their sleeves for a Care Day with Pathway Homes, helping beautify the landscaping at one the nonprofit’s affordable housing properties. The dedicated team planted flowers, spread mulch, and gave the home an extra touch of curb appeal with new flags, welcome mats, and updated house numbers. Their hard work created a warm, welcoming environment for the resident to enjoy.
Third-Party Golf Tournaments
If you can’t ever get enough golf, this is your lucky season! Three companies are hosting third-party golf tournaments on behalf of HomeAid National Capital Region, with proceeds from the events supporting our mission of providing safe and dignified housing and programmatic facilities for those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Thank you to the following companies!
Pulte Homes, August 28, Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club
K. Hovnanian Mid-Atlantic Trade Partner Council, September 11, Westfields Country Club
Toll Brothers, October 12, Dominion Valley
A Look Back, in Celebration of HomeAid’s 25th Anniversary
In 2018, HomeAid’s Builder Captain, Stanley Martin Homes, joined forces with 25 trade partners to complete a transformative renovation of a townhome owned by Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), a longtime HomeAid partner dedicated to helping families and individuals achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
The $70,000 renovation was made possible entirely through the generous donation of labor and materials by Stanley Martin Homes and its trade partners. Improvements included new flooring, windows, kitchen cabinets, countertops, appliances, interior paint, lighting, mold remediation, fully renovated bathrooms, and refreshed exterior landscaping and patio space.
The townhome is part of NVFS’ affordable housing program and reflects the organization’s belief that “shelter is a basic need for everyone, and it’s the foundation from which families and individuals can begin to rebuild their lives and liveindependently.
HomeAid Golf Tournament
7:00 a.m. registration and 8:00 a.m. shotgun start
Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club
41601 Raspberry Drive
Leesburg, VA 20176
Pulte Golf Tournament
Friday, August 28, 2026, 7:30 AM registration and 9:00 AM start
Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club
41601 Raspberry Drive
Leesburg, VA, 20176
K. Hovnanian Golf Tournament
Friday, September 11, 2026, 6:30 AM registration and 8:00 AM start
Westfields Golf Club
13940 Balmoral Greens Avenue
Clifton, VA. 20124
Law Rocks
Thursday, September 10, 2026 6:30 PM
The Atlantis 2047 9th St.
NW Washington, DC 20001
Toll Brothers Golf Tournament
Monday, October 12, 2026
Dominion Valley Country Club
15145 Sky Valley Drive
Haymarket, VA, 20169
