Building Hope Newsletter, March

Executive Director & CEO Corner

Over the past several months, we’ve talked a lot about our rapid growth and enormous number of projects in our pipeline, but in the midst of it all, I’m realizing that sometimes even the smallest projects can have equally big impact on the families who benefit from them. It’s on my mind as we just wrapped up a Turnover project for New Hope Housing that enabled the nonprofit to quickly get the townhome back into rotation as part of its affordable housing program.

Our Turnover Program, introduced in 2018, was designed to help nonprofits quickly prepare housing units that need new flooring and fresh paint so that new families can move in with minimal delay. By replacing carpet with more durable and easy-to-clean luxury vinyl planking (LVP), the program also ensures long-term savings for HomeAid partners and healthy, clean spaces for the clients they serve. Since its start, we’ve been mindful of making the Turnover Program a fast and streamlined process. Open to any nonprofit that owns or operates housing units, the online application [link] is short and simple. And because we focus solely on flooring and paint, the projects are typically completed within a month and are fully funded by HomeAid, with an average value of $10,000 per project. That kind of turnaround time means that our nonprofit partners can move families in far more quickly, and we’re filling gaps in funding that speak directly to our mission of providing safe, dignified housing. It’s a nice reminder that no matter the project, we’re changing lives.

With gratitude,

In the Neighborhood

2022 Impact Report NOW Available!

HomeAid National Capital Region’s 2022 Impact Report is now available online! It’s a report you won’t want to miss, as it details our 21st year of service to our region and illustrates how we transform the lives of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Find out the details behind our building and renovation projects, nonprofit partnerships, community-building efforts, fundraisers, and – most importantly – our impact on the people we serve. Did you know:

That’s just a sneak peek into our 2022; make time to take a deeper dive into our Annual Impact Report – we hope you’ll feel inspired to support another incredible year!

 

In Your Community

First Ribbon Cutting of the Year at COT

On February 23, HomeAid National Capital Region celebrated the opening and ribbon cutting of the Communities of Trust (COT) community center located in the Franconia District of Fairfax County, VA, with local dignitaries, elected officials, donors, members of the public, and representatives from Builder Captain K. Hovnanian Homes and 18 trade partners in attendance. Those in attendance were able to tour the two-story building, which – after sitting vacant for 10 years – is now a vibrant space for the COT to host after-school programs, provide mentoring and homework assistance, and create positive engagement opportunities between the community and law enforcement.

The renovation project saved the COT $107,199 in labor, time, and expertise, all of which was 100% donated – funds that they can now dedicate to programs and services for the kids they serve. Improvements to the 1582-square foot building included creating office space for one-on-one meetings; creating a large open-spaced area for guest speakers, homework stations, workforce development opportunities, movie nights, and other community activities; adding a kitchenette; renovating three bathrooms; painting; and installing water fountains, new lighting, blinds and windows, and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout.

Thank you to all who made this important project possible – thanks to you, kids have a safe space to gather, find community, and engage positively with law enforcement.

Making It Count

Thank You, Golfers & Networkers!

It may have been our first GolfAid fundraiser under our new HomeAid National Capital Region banner, but it was the same smashing success, with more than 200 golfers, networkers, and supporters turning out on March 2 for another great night of networking and fundraising at TopGolf Loudoun! Together, we raised more than $56,000, with all the funds going to support our mission of helping people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement, and education. Did you miss out on GolfAid but would still love to donate? It’s never too late! For those who attended, be sure to relive the fun on our Flickr page, where photos from the event are posted. Thanks to the generosity of Bob Narod Photography for capturing the night!

Support Spotlight

New Manufacturer Joins HomeAid’s Trade Partner Team

MI Windows and Doors, LLC, recently participated in its first project with HomeAid National Capital Region, serving as the manufacturer trade partner for window donations at the Communities of Trust project in Alexandria, VA. We sat down with Chris Green, sales representative, to find out how the company heard about HomeAid and how their first project with us went.

Chris Green

Q: What inspired MI Windows and Doors to say “yes!” to work on this project with HomeAid?

A: Butch Foster of Builders FirstSource – our longtime partner on other homebuilding projects – reached out to us, explained what the Communities of Trust project was about, and asked if we’d be interested in helping. As soon as we heard the story, it was an easy yes – we wanted to join in and support HomeAid in providing kids a safe option for after-school engagement and strengthening relationships between law enforcement and our community’s youth.

Q: What did the MI team enjoy most about its first HomeAid experience?

A: The efficiency of everyone involved with the project. We had a small part in the overall project, but it couldn’t have gone any smoother from start to finish. It was great being a part of such a streamlined project, and we as a company believe strongly in giving back to the communities where we live and work. It was a worthwhile project for a great cause.

Q: Does the company participate in other philanthropic efforts?

A: Yes; I have been very fortunate to be able to participate in the MI Foundation since its inception 25 years ago. The primary causes that the foundation supports are veterans affairs, children’s well-being, cancer support, and local outreach. Some of our partners are St. Jude, Make A Wish, Central PA Food Bank, Homes for our Troops, and Operation No Person Left Behind Outdoors. I’m proud that this year we added HomeAid National Capital Region to that impressive list! I have also had the privilege of serving on the Sales Outreach Committee of the Foundation. All of these projects remind me daily what I love most about my career – the homebuilding industry really epitomizes what can result from great partnerships, all the way from manufacturers to distributors to builders. 

Announcements

Cindy Bell HomeAid Colorado, Lynn Tadlock HomeAid National, Robin Arnett HomeAid National, Mandy Crater HomeAid Atlanta, Kristyn Burr HomeAid National Capital Region, Monique Waddington HomeAid National, and Matt Friedlander HomeAid Inland Empire

HomeAid’s National Leadership Conference
Our CEO and Executive Director Kristyn Burr recently traveled to Atlanta, GA, for HomeAid America’s National Conference. Executives from across the county representing 19 HomeAid Affiliates gathered to discuss best practices, develop solutions, and create a shared vision for 2023. They also celebrated a combined total of 72 completed projects in 2022, representing $3 million in in-kind donations and $4 million in project value, changing the lives of 648,773 people .

Internship Opportunity Available
HomeAid is currently recruiting for an Events Intern position! Our small office means a content-rich and busy position, helping to plan and execute our many major social and fundraising events, as well as smaller events throughout the year. Find out more


Upcoming Events

SAVE THE DATE
Builders and Friends BBQ
June 15, 2023 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
North Lake Pavilion National Botanic Garden
26320 Ticonderoga Road South Riding, VA 20152