The daily news continues to highlight the weight of our nation’s housing crisis. A recent executive order that directed the National Park Service in conjunction with US Park Police and DC Police to clear homeless encampments in our nation’s capital doesn’t meet the need of addressing homelessness with compassion and long-term solutions. It simply reshuffles people throughout the city without prioritizing affordable housing, supportive services, and community partnerships. As National Alliance to End Homelessness Ann Oliva said, “Homelessness is not a criminal issue. It’s an economic issue, and across the nation – in red and blue states alike – people are unable to afford their housing, medical care, groceries, and other basic living expenses. This [executive order] doesn’t make housing more affordable for residents of the District of Columbia.”
Indeed, the shortage of affordable housing is enormous: According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, our nation is currently at least seven million homes short. In addition, every week in the U.S., approximately 19,000 people become homeless for the first time. Rehousing people and helping others from losing their homes are two solutions that in fact address the housing crisis, and both are areas in which HomeAid and our supporters are making a difference.
Through our Turnover Program, we are helping our nonprofit partners by repainting and replacing carpet with luxury vinyl planking (LVP), at no cost to them, so people can come off “housing waiting lists” and move into affordable housing units quickly. This year alone we have completed eight Turnover Projects, helping to shelter 34 people in our region. Through our construction program we work with builders and trade partners who renovate and build housing and programmatic facilities, a lot of times covering up to 100 percent of the costs so that the nonprofits can focus their funding on supportive services that help those experiencing homelessness. We also work with nonprofits to scale food pantries, thrift shops, after-school programming for kids, and programming for adults to help those at risk of experiencing homelessness gain greater independence. I think we can all agree that stable housing creates stronger communities, improves mental health, reduces chronic stress, creates a sense of safety, and pathways to economic mobility.
Our partners in the building industry and our supporters are at the forefront of addressing the critical need for housing in our region. You all are helping us create solutions that put people on the path to success while thoughtfully tackling how we collaborate and work with our neighbors.
With gratitude,
Temps are cooling, fall is coming, and at HomeAid, that means one thing: Our biggest fundraiser of the year is around the corner! This year’s ‘Secret Garden’ 2025 Gala & Auction is set for Saturday, November 15, with the silent auction and reception starting at 6:30 p.m., and dinner and program at 8:15 p.m.
Every ticket purchased helps advance our mission, but there are many ways to get involved beyond a purchasing a single ticket. Consider becoming a Table Captain. Table Captains play a vital role in filling every seat, inspiring Paddle Challenge participation, and rallying friends, family, and colleagues to join in supporting HomeAid. You’ll help spread the word, share Gala updates, and encourage guests to give generously to ensure the event achieves its fundraising goals.
Want to make an even bigger impact? We are offering nine levels of sponsorship opportunities to meet every budget: From Presenting Sponsor, at $15,000, through Garden Friends, at $500, we’ve designed every level to provide benefits and recognition for you and your company on multiple platforms. Whether you choose to sponsor the signature drink, a project video, the champagne welcome, the silent auction, a swag item, or the Presidents’ Circle Awards, you’ll discover that we’ve created opportunities designed to recognize and celebrate our supporters. Find out more!
Since 2001, HomeAid National Capital Region has completed over 205 Construction Projects and Turnovers, saving local nonprofits millions of dollars on construction and allowing these organizations to allocate their critical resources on programming and interventions so individuals and families can work toward stability. These projects have changed over 339,000 lives within our region, and it’s events like our Gala that bring critically needed funding to support this mission. Join us on November 15!
A limited number of rooms have been reserved for HomeAid Gala guests. Book your room by October 15!
In October, HomeAid National Capital Region, Builder Captain K. Hovnanian Homes, and 29 different Trade Partners will kick off two projects for Langley Residential Support Services (LRSS), a nonprofit in Fairfax, VA. LRSS serves adults with developmental disabilities, their families, and the broader community through quality, comprehensive residential and community support services.
At the first house – a five-bedroom home that will serve three adults and one caregiver plus a room dedicated to secure storage of medications – our work will include replacing flooring throughout the house, updating blinds, replacing doorknobs with accessible lever-style handles, and repainting. In the kitchen, we’ll upgrade the cabinets and appliances, while outside, we’ll refinish the gazebo and repair exterior stairs. We will make similar upgrades at the second property – a 1,500-square-foot three-bedroom home just a few miles away.
The individuals served by Langley have a range of diagnoses, such as fragile X syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities. Some of the individuals they serve are able to live independently with minimal support, while others thrive best in more structured group home settings. Our goal for both homes is to create an inclusive, more welcoming environment, where everyone can live rich and full lives.
On August 20, HomeAid National Capital Region staff leadership and the full Board of Directors gathered for a Strategic Planning Retreat to discuss and craft our direction for the next three years. Generously funded by a grant from Virginia Housing, the all-day session provided the critical, uninterrupted time to examine the past, gather input on current trends and realities, and plan for the future.
Led by CEO Kristyn Burr and Board President Bryan Guidash – and moderated by Karen Cleveland – the group ran SWOT analyses and debated HomeAid’s next five years. With a focus on refining our organization’s mission, purpose, values, and culture, they also sought to define HomeAid’s pillars – and discussed how to jumpstart the plan quickly.
We are excited to put the valuable outcomes of this important planning retreat into action in the months and years ahead, and we extend our gratitude to our Board of Directors for their time, dedication, and leadership in guiding HomeAid’s future.
Builders FirstSource has partnered with HomeAid since 2009, completing 23 projects thus far and, this year, working with us on two projects for Langley Residential Services. Conrad LaBossiere, area vice president, sat down with us to talk about what the company’s long partnership with HomeAid has meant to him and his colleagues.
Q: What has inspired Builders FirstSource to keep saying ‘yes!’ to HomeAid?
A: Giving back is the right thing to do, and I wish more people would do it. For us, we get two wins out of it every time: We get to help the community and enjoy the good feeling of contributing and being part of a greater good. And, because we’re always working on these projects with customers and partners, we get a second win – getting to share this experience of giving back. Our crew loves getting involved in these HomeAid projects too. I don’t do this alone; I’m in the enviable position of getting to make the decisions and giving the approvals for getting involved, but the ones who are doing the deliveries who are truly enthusiastic and all-in. No one is out there saying we shouldn’t do it. Instead, working with HomeAid is really something special, and everyone on this team believes that.
Q: What would you tell another trade partner about your experience working with HomeAid?
A: No matter what you can contribute – of any amount – you should do it. It could just be your time, but no matter what it is, do what you can. If you’re not sure, start small and let it grow. The more you get involved and learn about HomeAid, the more you’re going to want to work on a project. And the staff at HomeAid is an outstanding, first-class team. They’re always willing to help, and you’ll never be left out on a limb. They’re knowledgeable, they’re smart, and they’re there every step of the way.
Q: What is a “typical” HomeAid project for Builders First Source?
A: We’re a materials supply company, so our form of donation is our time. We deliver products for the structural aspect of any renovation or complete build, including flooring, trusses, doors, windows, and wood for framing. It’s a people business, and I love that every day is so different, and everyone I meet – whether for a few minutes or for duration of a project – makes my days and my career fun.
Third-Party Golf Raises Funds & Awareness
Thank You Pulte Homes, for selecting HomeAid as the beneficiary of your annual golf tournament, held on August 28 at Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club. The opportunity to meet so many of your supporters, share information about HomeAid, and receive critical funding that will support our mission means so much to us. Thank you!
Thank You, Morgan Stanley
Warm thanks to Morgan Stanley, for your recent generous grant that will help us provide safe and dignified housing and programmatic facilities for those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. We are grateful for your support and partnership.
Teeing Off with the Trade Partner Council
September kicked off on a high note with K. Hovnanian Home’s Golf Tournament, which generously donated 100 percent of its proceeds to HomeAid. We were grateful for the opportunity to connect with the company’s Trade Partner Council, share our mission, and celebrate the impact of every registration, sponsorship, and raffle ticket sold. Together, these contributions will help us continue providing vital programs and services to our nonprofit partners. Thank you to K. Hovnanian and the Trade Partner Council for coming together to raise critical funding for HomeAid.
HomeAid Golf Tournament
Friday, September 19, 2025, 7:00 AM registration and 8:00 AM shotgun start
Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club
41601 Raspberry Drive
Leesburg, VA, 20176
HomeAid Secret Garden Silent Auction & Gala
Saturday, November 15, 2025
6:30 p.m. silent auction & reception, 8:15 p.m. dinner & program
Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles
14750 Conference Center Dr.
Chantilly, VA 20151
Toll Brothers Golf Tournament
Monday, October 6, 2025, 8:00 AM start
Dominion Valley Country Club
15145 Sky Valley Drive
Haymarket, VA, 20169
