HomeAid is getting ready to celebrate our Builders & Friends BBQ, which is one of our biggest and most personal ways to say thank you to the Builder Captains and Trade Partners who make our work possible. HomeAid and our building partners improve living conditions and increase capacity at low or no cost for our nonprofit partners, allowing them to invest their funds in additional housing and services for their clients, rather than on construction expenses. The work we do, year after year, is a big undertaking – particularly as prices soar, affordable housing continues to prove elusive, and human need grows.
I’m excited to celebrate everything the building industry does for us all year long, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to thank two new Builder Captains who have stepped up to lead projects for the first time this year, CaseCo. and Dream Finders Homes.
As you’ll read in this issue, CaseCo. and 11 Trade Partners completed the renovation of three townhomes owned by Family Shelter Services, while Dream Finders and its team are closing in on the completion of a project for Pathway Homes’ mobile outreach service program. While both companies have been part of our ‘village’ for some time, the timing and location of these projects lined up with their capacity to take on a project, and I’m so grateful for their dedication, willingness, and leadership.
To be a Builder Captain, companies donate time, labor, materials, and expertise – while working to assemble a team of trade partners who can do the same – to complete renovation or building projects. Once the projects are completed, nonprofits have efficient, safe, and modern facilities to serve those in need, which empowers individuals toward a brighter future. The money saved on construction costs is further put toward providing critical wraparound programs and services. It’s an enormously powerful ripple effect, begun when a company steps up to the table and says, “Yes, I’ll help.”
Without them, we couldn’t do what we do, and I can’t wait to personally thank and celebrate all who have been part of our story – whether for the first time or for the 25th time. I look forward to seeing you next week!
With gratitude,
Our Builders & Friends BBQ is just about here – do you have your ticket? On June 18, we’ll welcome our region’s top builders, trade partners, and other industry leaders to the National Botanic Garden in Chantilly, VA, from 3:30-6:30pm, and we’d love to see you there. Together we will celebrate our collaborative work and shared commitment to helping families and individuals who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness. You’ll also enjoy delicious food from Mission BBQ, craft beer from Lost Rhino, cornhole games, ice cream from C.C. Frozen Treats, and live music from Eric Stanley and Doug Wall from Liberty Street Band.
It’s an afternoon of great food, great people, and greater purpose – register today and be part of one of the most beloved summer traditions!
You’ll also be on hand to help us celebrate our 2026 Trade Partner of the Year, which we’ll announce at the event. This annual award is given to a company that has gone above and beyond to provide an invaluable service to HomeAid’s projects. This award has become an important way for us to further show our gratitude for and appreciation of our trade partners, and we hope you’ll be with us to honor this year’s awardee.
Presented by Buhl Electric Co., Inc., tickets are $75 per person – for any Builder Captain or Trade Partner who participated on a HomeAid project between June 2025 and June 2026, you are eligible for TWO FREE tickets to the event; please contact Michelle Fargher to reserve tickets.
Looking to get involved but not sure how? Consider volunteering at the BBQ! We’re always looking for help with loading the truck at our headquarters, selling raffle tickets, helping in the parking lot, and cleanup. Contact Michelle Fargher for more information, and we’ll look forward to welcoming you to our volunteer crew.
HomeAid’s Builders for Babies diapers and wipes collection drive launched last month on Mother’s Day, and we are well on our way toward our goal of donating one million diapers and wipes by Father’s Day (June 21)!
In the final days of our 2026 Diaper Drive, our focus continues to be online donations which allows us to purchase diapers wholesale through our trusted distributor, JSL partners. To help illustrate the impact, consider this: Just one pallet of diapers costs approximately $2,000 and provides more than 10,000 diapers, depending on their size. Buying the equivalent at a retail store such as Target or even on Amazon can cost up to triple that amount!
We have received diaper and wipe requests from over 50 nonprofit partners, the highest number in the history of our program. As demand and prices skyrocket, now is the time to stretch our dollars to help get one million diapers and wipes into the hands of parents who need them! Purchase diapers online today – options range from a case of diapers for just $50 or a case of wipes for $25, to a pallet of diapers for $2,000 or a pallet of wipes for $1,500. Every dollar makes a difference and and an online donation is the easiest and fastest way to make a huge impact.
We can also still use volunteers to help sort, count, pack, and deliver diapers and wipes to our nonprofit partners. Volunteers play a critical role in ensuring that donated diapers and wipes reach the families who need them most. Our greatest volunteer need is on Tuesday, July 7, when we will be delivering diapers and wipes to nonprofit partners across the region. For this opportunity, volunteers must have access to large box trucks to help transport donations. By volunteering you’ll be helping support thousands of local families and be part of a community-wide effort that is making a real difference. Sign up here.
No matter how you participate, you’ll make a difference. Prices of diapers and wipes are always rising and cannot be purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Help us to make an impact on families in our region – and be part of an effort that has collected over 2.7 million diapers and wipes since 2018!
Today, HomeAid National Capital Region, Builder Captain CaseCo., and 11 trade partners gathered to celebrate the renovation of three 1,100-square-foot townhome units that will continue to serve as transitional housing for Family Shelter Services (FSS). The interior renovations, valued at over $150,000, create safe, functional, and dignified living environments for single mothers and their children as they work toward long-term stability. Family Shelter Services also offers crucial life skills training related to budgeting, employment, nutrition, parenting, and schoolwork.
Each unit – all of which are part of 22 former military housing units–received comprehensive upgrades, including flooring and full interior repainting. The team updated kitchens with new cabinetry, countertops, and appliances to ensure durability and ease of maintenance, while bathrooms were reconfigured to improve usability and maximize space, creating layouts that better serve the needs of families. To improve reliability, long-term performance, and security, the HVAC systems, hot water heaters, and bathtubs were inspected and updated as needed, ensuring that all three townhomes provide stable, well-maintained housing that reflects a commitment to both practical support and human dignity.
“We serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness and populations disproportionately impacted by housing instability in Virginia, including minority communities, people of color, women—particularly single mothers—and individuals with disabilities,” Deb Rapone, Executive Director with FSS, said. “Thanks to the renovation of these three townhomes, three more families who may otherwise face limited housing options due to income constraints, discrimination, or accessibility challenges now have safe, stable places to live.
Systemic inequities in income, healthcare access, employment, and generational wealth contribute to higher rates of homelessness among these groups. Family Shelter Services’ ability to provide life skills training and supportive services that focus on financial literacy, workforce development, and health and well-being are so critical. Access to stable housing is a key component of their efforts.
Thank you to first time Builder Captain CaseCo. and the following trade partners for transforming three homes – and three families’ lives.
Nokesville Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc
A $10,000 grant from Bank of America helped fund the project, as well.
Ferguson MidAtlantic is a longtime trade partner and supporter, frequently supplying HomeAid-renovated projects with plumbing, lighting, and hardware. Most recently, the company donated electrical and lighting services and products for the Family Shelter Services project. We talked with Brienna Henry, senior showroom manager, to find out how it felt to be a part of the housing solution – and what she would tell others considering becoming a Trade Partner!
Q: What did you enjoy most about working on this project?
A: The experience was incredibly rewarding from start to finish. Being able to contribute products that directly impact the functionality and comfort of the space made the work especially meaningful, and I loved seeing how all the trade partners came together with a shared goal creating a safe, supportive environment for families. It’s always powerful to see a project move from concept to completion knowing it will truly make a difference in people’s lives.
Q: What would you say to another trade partner thinking about getting involved?
A: I would strongly encourage it: HomeAid is an exceptional partner – they’re organized, mission-driven, and deeply committed to making an impact. As a Trade Partner, you’re not only contributing your expertise and products, but you’re also becoming part of something much bigger. The collaboration is seamless, and the sense of purpose you gain from the experience is unmatched.
Q: Why does Ferguson say ‘yes’ to supporting HomeAid?
A: Supporting our communities is a core part of who we are at Ferguson. Partnerships like HomeAid align closely with our values, using our resources and expertise to create positive, lasting change. Personally and professionally, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the work we do extends beyond the showroom and directly supports individuals and families in need. We are proud to play a role in advancing that solution.
NVBIA Care Day for Cornerstones
Huge props for the more than 55 Northern Virginia Building Industry Association Future Leader volunteers, who spent a day in May serving at seven affordable housing units owned by Cornerstones. The nonprofit is dedicated to helping individuals and families build stable lives by connecting them with critical resources such as housing, childcare, food, and financial assistance. The crew trimmed bushes, planted flowers, mulched, and cleared outdoor spaces to create safe, welcoming outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy the warmer weather and connect with their neighbors outside. Thank you to all of the volunteers, to Future Leaders Chair Les Adkins for his leadership in organizing and recruiting volunteers, and to The Davey Tree Expert Company for generously donating mulch.
Keller Williams Care Day
Also in May, more than 50 volunteers with Keller Williams turned out for a Care Day to support House of Mercy, a nonprofit in Manassas dedicated to feeding and clothing those in need. Throughout the day, volunteers picked up trash, washed food delivery vehicles, sorted food donations, cleaned and tagged items in the thrift shop, and sorted and organized dishes. Care Days are a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through teamwork and giving back.
All Together Now
Toll Brothers, a longtime HomeAid partner, recently hosted “All Together Now,” their 32nd Annual Gala Celebrating HomeAid, on May 8 in Philadelphia. The gala benefited HomeAid America, with all proceeds helping support our national mission of helping those who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness. CEO, Kristyn Burr along with HomeAid NCR board member, Bryant Cruzado traveled to Philadelphia to attend. We are so grateful for the local, regional, and national support Toll Brothers shows to us, and we love making a difference—together—with this valued partner. Thank you, Toll Brothers!
A Look Back, in Celebration of HomeAid’s 25th Anniversary
In 2010, Builder Captain EYA led a renovation project for Carpenter’s Shelter in Alexandria. They built new offices, a classroom, a storage area, and a restroom; updated lighting fixtures; modified the existing HVAC system and installed an auxiliary HVAC system for a new conference room. The additional classroom was critically needed to provide life skills classes for adults and tutoring for children experiencing homelessness. EYA’s legacy goes beyond construction: this spring, EYA awarded HomeAid National Capital Region a generous $3,000 grant, continuing a partnership built on the philosophy of giving back and supporting nonprofit partners. Thank you, EYA, for your ongoing support!
Builders for Babies Diaper Drive
Collection: Mother’s Day (May 10) through Father’s Day (June 21).
Delivery Day: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Builders & Friends BBQ
June 18, 2026, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
National Botanic Garden
26320 Ticonderoga Road
Chantilly, VA, 20152
