I’ve been thinking a lot about the smallest of humans involved in the work we do. Last month, as children headed off to school, I felt overwhelmed by the thought of those who didn’t have backpacks, school supplies, or lunch money. And this month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I’m reminded of the millions of U.S. kids who live in homes where partner violence occurred at least once in the past year, or who have escaped with a parent or guardian to seek safety in a shelter. Looking forward to our Gala, which will feature Keynote Speaker Jas Boothe of Final Salute, I think of the children of the thousands of single women veterans—who are two to three times more likely to be homeless than any other group in the U.S. As we start planning our first “Builders for Babies” diaper drive, which you’ll read more about below, I think of the very youngest, with parents or a parent struggling to provide the most basic of needs that, in its absence, can cause such physical discomfort and pain.
HomeAid has helped our nonprofit partners serve an enormous number of children since our founding, and those numbers only continue to grow as our region’s population swells and income gaps widen. Thanks to all who have played such an important role in raising funds that support our mission, because with every dollar raised, a child’s life is impacted.
With Gratitude,
[divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”][image_with_animation image_url=”17179″ alignment=”” animation=”None” img_link_target=”_blank” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://homeaidncr.org/gala-and-auction/”%5D%5Bimage_with_animation image_url=”14228″ alignment=”” animation=”None” img_link_target=”_blank” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://501auctions.com/homeaidgala/tickets?type=18958″%5D%5Bimage_with_animation image_url=”9545″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://501auctions.com/homeaidgala/tickets?type=18959″%5DIn just another month, we’ll be throwing open the doors to our biggest fundraiser of the year—our “Give Me Shelter” cirque-themed 17th Annual Gala & Auction on November 10! This colorful, celebratory night will feel different from the moment you arrive—all our guests will enjoy a champagne welcome, leading to a cocktail reception featuring a DJ and a signature drink. Browse our silent auction with items for every budget, featuring a new, paperless-bidding process that will let us go green. Hear Final Salute’s founder, Jas Boothe, share her inspiring story and learn how she and HomeAid are helping women veterans and their children start anew. Raise your paddles for a variety of live auction items and for the auctioneer-led paddle challenge. Join us in applauding our 2018 Presidents’ Circle award honorees over a three-course dinner and don’t miss the popular truss bar! Last year, our Gala and Auction raised $250,000 for HomeAid. Let’s make this year even more amazing!
Want to make a weekend out of it? We’ve reserved a block of rooms at Lansdowne Resort & Spa, but at press time, only nine remain; make your reservation today!
This year’s dress code will be fun formal. We look forward to seeing you there![divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”]
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and our region is not immune to its scourge: The number-one cause of homicide in Fairfax County is, in fact, domestic violence. Artemis House is the only 24-hour domestic violence shelter in the County. Three years ago, HomeAid and Builder Captain Van Metre Homes, Home Design Elements, and 16 trade partners completed a $75,000 renovation project that doubled capacity at the home and at no cost to Shelter House, which operates Artemis House. So what impact has that project had in our community over the past three years?
According to Dani Colón, MSW, deputy executive director for Shelter House, Inc., the home’s layout wasn’t previously convenient for serving families of the size they routinely do, and the property was seriously outdated. With a total upgrade to the kitchen, additional space for a playroom, and a doubling of bedroom and bath capacity, they’ve since used the space to serve approximately 120 individuals, or 50 households, with most of the households having children under age 12.
“A security system was also added as part of the project scope,” Colón added, “and it’s an awesome addition—the best we have. We’ll sometimes place clients with higher safety concerns at this unit now, because it’s not only private, but it’s also safer with this system in place. The average length of stay over the last year is 62 days, and it’s made a huge difference to this community of women and their children to find a safe, stable home here. Knowing we could serve two times the number of people is huge, while being able to do so in a clean, durable, and attractive home is also so important to their recovery.”
At HomeAid, we’re committed to continuing our work to end homelessness in Northern Virginia and providing safe havens for those who need it. Join us this month as we honor and recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Together, we are making a difference. [divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”]October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Did you know that, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.
Source: Control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”]
We’ve always known our supporters are a talented bunch with endless spirit, and this month we’re reminded of it yet again with two of our biggest supporters turning in two more hugely impressive efforts.
First, Larry and the Land Lawyers, featuring the legal talent of Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, joined nine other bands at the 9:30 Club on September 13 as part of the 4th Annual Law Rocks concert, where they raised funds for local charities—including HomeAid. Their rollicking band is led by three attorneys at the firm: Mark Goetzman on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Mike Kieffer on lead guitar, John Rinaldi on the bass guitar, and Larry Clark (of Donatelli Development, Inc.) on drums, although this year, Land Use Associate Josh Johnson filled in on drums for Larry, who was on injured reserve that night.
“We’ve chosen to support HomeAid through this charity concert because so many of our clients support HomeAid and have helped us realize how much they do in the communities where we all live,” the band members said. “It’s a worthwhile cause, and we’ve seen the results that HomeAid has had in Northern Virginia. We’ve had colleagues serve on HomeAid’s Board, and so many of the projects we’ve worked on over the years have involved NVBIA members and HomeAid supporters and partners. We’re glad to give back to an organization that’s so important to so many.”
This Saturday, Van Metre’s Cornhole Challenge will host its 7th annual tournament, building on its enormous success of gathering teams from all over the region to compete for the coveted trophy while raising, to date, $200,000 for HomeAid Northern Virginia. This year, Cornhole Challenge Founder and Director Kevin Rabil has set a goal of raising $100,000 to benefit HomeAid, Payton’s Project, and HeroHomes of Loudoun.
“We started this tournament seven years ago with the goal of making a big impact on smaller, local organizations,” Rabil said. “We also dedicated funds a few years ago to HomeAid’s recently completed Final Salute renovation project. HomeAid is a perfect fit for us, with Van Metre having a long-running relationship and partnership—including Van Metre’s Brian Davidson and Mike Sandkuhler both serving as HomeAid presidents. As homebuilders, serving the needs of the homeless is a good fit, and we’ve found that we can really make a lot of impact through this fundraiser. For a smaller non-profit, $200,000 is significant, and we’re glad to help.”
Thank you, Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh and Van Metre Homes, for your tireless support and commitment.[divider line_type=”No Line”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”]On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.
Source: National Network to End Domestic Violence[divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”]
HomeAid Northern Virginia’s Board of Directors is launching a Builders for Babies drive, with the goal of collecting diapers for our shelter and non-profit partners whose clients need diapers for their babies and toddlers. All diapers will be delivered in December.
Patterned after a program launched by HomeAid Orange County, the success of our Builders for Babies hinges on two key things:
Disposable diapers cost $70 to $80 per month, per baby (nearly $1,000 per year), forcing some mothers to keep babies in wet or dirty diapers for an extended period of time. Others may have to choose between buying a prescription medicine or diapers. Others may clean out a diaper as best they can and put it back on. Please help us support mothers in need—and offset costs that shelters and non-profits often try to cover with their own limited funds. Our community’s youngest are depending on us![divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”]According to the National Diaper Bank Network:
Please help us change these sobering statistics by participating in our first Builders for Babies. Need diapers for your clients? Want to coordinate a diaper drive? Contact Kristyn Burr today!
Source: National Diaper Bank Network[divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”]
Avi Sareen, president and principal of TNT Environmental and the chair of NVBIA’s Future Leaders of the Building Industry, which focuses on education, advocacy, networking and philanthropy through fun events geared toward younger industry professionals, is an ardent supporter of HomeAid Northern Virginia. Through Future Leaders, Avi has helped build awareness of HomeAid and our mission amongst this next generation of the building industry, and his constant advocacy has helped inform many more of the challenges our communities face as we together work to end homelessness in Northern Virginia. Find out more about why Avi is inspired to support HomeAid and introduce so many of his colleagues to our organization.
Q: What is it about HomeAid that inspires you?
A: All of us are one lost job away from potentially being homeless or being unable to provide for our families. HomeAid provides critical support towards self-sufficiency, which is invaluable in today’s society. Our industry enjoys being a part of HomeAid’s efforts to create positive transitions for homeless families. The homebuilding industry can see their direct, positive impact to the families and individuals that HomeAid serves, which is why this charity resonates strongly with us.
Q: What has been the response from your members when they learn more about HomeAid and its mission?
A: Our members have bought in 100 percent. The Future Leaders group is fully engaged and committed to helping HomeAid however we can. We are constantly trying to find new opportunities to bring HomeAid into the mix with our events.
Q: Why have you decided to step up into these leadership positions?
A: As I noted before, we’re all just one lost job away. This has, can, and will happen to people in our industry. That sort of perspective is important when bringing awareness to organizations like HomeAid. The more people know and understand about what’s out there, the more they can be part of helping others.[divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”]
Two weeks of rain ended just in time, and a sold-out field of 152 golfers, sponsors, and supporters raised more than $90,000 at our 4th Annual Golf Tournament! All funds raised will be used to support our mission of ending homelessness in Northern Virginia. Congrats also to our winning foursome, The Engineering Groupe, Inc., and thanks to all who came out for a great day of networking, fundraising, and golfing!
Meanwhile, Pulte Homes raised an additional $36,000 at their annual golf tournament, which benefits HomeAid. WOW! Thank you, Pulte, for your support as Builder Captain, service on our Board of Directors, and constant supporter and cheerleader. We are grateful.
Another HomeAid project has kicked off at the ACTS Women’s Empowerment Center, following the recently completed basement renovation that converted space into classrooms and offices. This second project will center on the first and second floors of the Center, where five chronically homeless women and their children live while the women are enrolled in ACTS’ “Empowering Women in Transition” residential program. This project is led by first-time Builder Captain Ace Carpentry.
HomeAid Northern Virginia was honored to receive the William L. Berry Sustainable Communities Award at the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance’s 2018 Regional Housing Leaders Reception and Awards Ceremony held last Thursday at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. HomeAid Northern Virginia received the award for exemplifying Bill’s vision for affordable and inclusive communities throughout the Washington Metro area and in recognition of our dedication and service across nine municipalities and counties. In our 17 year history, we have completed 127 building or renovation projects valued at more than $16 million. HomeAid Northern Virginia has partnered with nearly 40 builders and 400 trade partners to provide more than $9 million in donated labor and materials to 40 nonprofit organizations working to support those experiencing homelessness.
HomeAid Northern Virginia Executive Director Kristyn Burr was there to receive the award on behalf of the HomeAid team and Board of Directors. “It is an absolute honor to be recognized for an award in Bill Berry’s name,” said Burr. “Bill served on our Board from its inception in 2001, and I consider myself fortunate to have known him. This award is a small symbol recognizing the efforts of a very large network of people who continue to support our mission day in and day out across our region.”
NVBIA’s Future Leaders will be collecting grocery store gift cards in recognition of Homelessness & Hunger Awareness Month at their Oktoberfest networking event, on October 30, 2018, at Mustang Sally Brewery in Chantilly. All are welcome!
Patti Brownstein, a HomeAid Northern Virginia board member, was named the 2018 Komen Survivor of the Year at this year’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®. Patti was recognized at the Washington, D.C., Race for the Cure on September 8 at Freedom Plaza. Patti, a breast cancer survivor, has dedicated the past 20 years working to execute Komen’s mission and goals and spreading awareness in her community to save lives, and her determination and focus are an inspiration. Congratulations, Patti!
NVBIA Great American Living Awards – October 4, 2018, Hilton McLean Tysons Corner
Van Metre Cornhole Challenge – October 6, 2018, Brambleton Fall Festival. HomeAid Northern Virginia is a key beneficiary of the Cornhole Challenge!
NVBIA Future Leaders Field Day – October 10, 2018, The Barn at One Loudoun
NVBIA Future Leaders Oktoberfest – October 30, 2018, Mustang Sally Brewery. Guests will be encouraged to bring grocery store gift cards for Homelessness & Hunger Awareness Month.
17th Annual HomeAid Northern Virginia Gala & Auction – November 10, 2018, Lansdowne Resort & Spa
2nd Annual GolfAid Fundraiser – March 7, 2019, TopGolf Loudoun
