In normal times, this is one of my favorite times of the year, as I look forward to our Annual Gala & Auction. It’s a ton of work, but when it all culminates with 400+ of my favorite people in one room – all there to support and celebrate a nonprofit so dear to my heart – I feel such joy it nearly takes my breath away. So, I’m not going to lie: The need to make this year’s Gala a virtual event makes me sad. The people are what give our Gala its essence and energy, and it’s disappointing to know we won’t have that. Of course it’s the right thing to do, and we didn’t have a choice. But still … what I would give to see all of you at Lansdowne.
And yet … our mission is unchanged. Homelessness is all too real. The human lives we change are as deserving as ever. The projects we have in the lineup – the most we’ve ever had at one time – are going to be as transformative for our nonprofit partners as they are for the clients they serve. Need is great, and I would bet that we haven’t even begun to see the true fallout from the pandemic. So it’s on us to find creative ways to keep support coming and help connect fundraising with ‘what’s in it for me.’ Because let’s be honest: I know I can’t provide you an enormously fun night out with friends and colleagues, with networking and signature cocktails and the euphoria that comes from seeing a room light up with lasers after a paddle challenge raises tens of thousands of dollars in mere minutes. I can’t put your company name on an ice sculpture or have servers on roller skates serve up a party favor you sponsored. But I can tell you this: Every dollar raised will go to the exact same place. We’ll give kids a place to study and play, a place for a family to lay their heads and feel safe from violence. We’ll give people dignity and hope, so that they can rebuild their lives. Please help us, by making the Gala your own kind of special this year. Maybe it will just mean donating what you’d normally spend on a ticket. Maybe you’ll support us through a sponsorship that will mean we can take on another project. Maybe you’ll organize a house party with those already in your ‘bubble.’ But however you participate, know that by taking action – any action – you are allowing us to continue our mission. We can’t survive without you.
With Gratitude,
[divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”][image_with_animation image_url=”22211″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://homeaidncr.org/gala2020/”%5D%5Bimage_with_animation image_url=”22403″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://event.gives/homeaidgala”%5D%5Bimage_with_animation image_url=”22404″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://event.gives/homeaidgala”%5D%5Bimage_with_animation image_url=”22518″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://event.gives/homeaidgala”%5DIn just one month, we’ll be getting ready to host HomeAid Northern Virginia’s Gala & Auction, MASKarade: Coming Together While Apart. MASKarade will be our first virtual Gala, and our first FREE one! Are you ready? Set for November 14 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., we’ll bring the very best of HomeAid’s Annual Gala & Auction to the comfort of your own home! This year’s event will feature videos that illustrate and highlight some of our most impactful work, and you’ll hear from some of the people whose lives have been changed as a result. We’ll celebrate and present our annual Presidents’ Awards, and we’ll thank everyone who make our work possible. And, to ensure we can continue our mission into our 20th year, we’ll offer our always-popular live and silent auctions, which raise critically needed funds while helping fill countless wish lists for our winning bidders, as well as continue our paddle challenge tradition.
We know this year’s virtual Gala & Auction will look very different, but we are confident it will feel the same – because the work we do changes lives. Registration and Sponsorships are now open. You may also choose from one of our House Party Packages, details below. Be on the lookout for details on joining the video platform, and we can’t wait to celebrate HomeAid’s work with you!
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Host a party for 50 people
Party Box will include:
10 Bottles of Champagne
Dessert Plate
Centerpiece
Other Sponsored Swag Items
Host a party for 25 People
Party Box will include:
6 Bottles of Champagne
Dessert Plate
Other Sponsored Swag items
Host a party for 10 people
Party box will include:
3 Bottles of Champagne
Sponsored Swag items
No Frills Package:
Considered a donation to HomeAid
[image_with_animation image_url=”22549″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://event.gives/homeaidgala”%5D%5Bdivider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”]Researchers estimate children residing in a home where domestic violence occurs are at as much as 60 times the risk of child abuse or neglect compared to the general U.S. child population. Additionally, when domestic violence abusers also harm animals in the home, it is often an indicator of increased risk for both human and animal members of the household. Nearly 80% of victims residing in a home where domestic violence and pet abuse co-occur report daily fear they will be killed by the perpetrator.
Source: Science Direct[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”]
Project will help raise funds for programming for homeless, survivors of domestic violence.
HomeAid Northern Virginia, K. Hovnanian Companies, and trade partners will soon kick off a renovation project for ACTS’ Thrift Store in Dumfries, VA, where donations and purchases help fund the programs that ACTS offers in Prince William County to support the poor, homeless, and survivors of personal violence. ACTS’ service programs also distribute Thrift Store vouchers so that clients can shop for clothing or household items at no cost to them.
“Our thrift store was founded 51 years ago, originally as a clothing closet in our shelter living room,” said ACTS Chief Executive Officer Steven Liga. “Over time, it’s grown into a real retail store also selling household items and other lifestyle essentials. The revenue it generates helps to fund our programs that are not covered by grants. Plus, thanks to the store, we don’t need to use valuable storage space at our shelters and safe houses for these items. It also means we can give our clients the dignity to shop for what they need, in the size and style that is right for them. So many of us take that freedom for granted – why should they have to wear something that doesn’t quite fit or that they really dislike simply because it’s ‘better than nothing’? This thrift store gives them the retail experience we all deserve.”
The project will transform the prefabricated metal shed building – which used to serve as an auto parts supply store – with a brick façade, new windows, and an enhanced entryway outside and new lighting and fresh paint inside. The layout will also change, to open more floorspace to the showroom and better organize the administrative areas.
“This building is in desperate need of a facelift and renovation, and we’re glad we can help make it a much better shopping experience for ACTS’ clients and for the community it serves,” said Gary Chandler, Virginia division president for K. Hovnanian. “Whether people are donating goods or shopping for themselves, they’ll be able to do it in a more professional environment, which in addition to offering the dignity piece to ACTS’ clients will also likely result in greater sales – and more funding for ACTS’ programs. We’re honored to help; we have a project starting in Dumfries this fall, so it will allow us the efficiencies and speed that results when we have crews in the area already.”[divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”]The UN has described the worldwide increase in domestic abuse as a “shadow pandemic” alongside COVID-19. It’s thought cases have increased by 20% during the lockdown, as many people are trapped inside their home with their abuser.
Source: BBC[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”]
It’s officially Fall, which means it’s time to kick off our Third Annual “Builders for Babies” collection drive. Builders for Babies is simple in concept and execution: Organizations and individuals collect or purchase diapers and baby wipes for our communities’ littlest citizens (for those ordering online, request to ship directly to the HomeAid office). Then, we will deliver all of the donated products to emergency shelters and other housing and non-profit organizations, which will distribute them to those in need.
The initiative is critical: The cost of disposable diapers can be as high as $70-80 per month, per baby (nearly $1,000 per year!)—a huge expense for families already struggling to get by. It can mean the difference between struggling parents trying to stretch supplies by leaving diapers on their babies longer than they should, or even trying to clean out and re-use dirtied diapers, leading to painful diaper rash and discomfort.
Getting involved is easy; simply order on our Amazon Wish List (and have shipped directly to us) or deliver to our address.
In 2019, we collected over 30,000 diapers and 30,000 wipes, which were donated to 18 local non-profits. Help us make 2020 an even bigger success![divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”]Counties across the United States indicate that almost every state has reported increases in domestic violence during the pandemic, mirroring other countries’ experiences, where rates of domestic violence have also skyrocketed, by nearly 300 percent in some countries. Initial increases in reports of domestic violence in the U.S. were often followed by a significant dip in reporting, indicating that many survivors facing the threat of continued or escalating violence were unable to find space or time away from an abuser to reach out for help, or else saw no hope or available solutions. Meanwhile, reported spikes in gun purchases are disturbing; the presence of a gun in a household with a history of domestic violence makes it five times more likely that a woman will be killed.
Source: Center for American Progress[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”]
Everywhere we turn, we find news that’s difficult to digest. So, we are extra pleased to share some great news, which publications in our entire region have been helping share! At the end of September, HomeAid Northern Virginia Kristyn Burr joined Ernie Kyger, host of the Van Metre LIFE podcast, to discuss HomeAid’s efforts over the past 19 years to end homelessness in Northern Virginia – and how to best create a sense of community right in your own backyard. Be sure to listen in!
We’ve also been getting quite a lot of media attention around the completion of our 150th project since 2001, which represent an $18 million investment in our communities; $11 million in donated labor, time, materials, and expertise; and 167,000 lives changed for the better. Check out how these community publications helped share our good news and raise awareness of our mission:
And, even though we’re new to the Winchester market, the Winchester Star has a story pending now, about our work renovating the Winchester Rescue Mission.
Want to make sure our good news is always in your news feed? Be sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and connect with us on LinkedIn! Looking for videos and photos of past projects and events? Our YouTube and Flickr accounts are brimming!
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Printing Productions, Inc., a full-service commercial printing company in Sterling, VA, and President Randy Davis have been huge supporters of HomeAid Northern Virginia for years, meeting all of our printing needs and advising us in countless ways to ensure that our marketing and communications collateral is always top-notch. Randy, our company representative throughout, and his team always go above and beyond for us, and we are as grateful for the companies that support our mission in this way as we are for those who help us build and renovate homes for those experiencing homelessness. All are integral to our success, and we are grateful. Read on to find out more about Randy and his team.
Q: You and your team have supported HomeAid Northern Virginia for years; what were your earliest impressions of HomeAid?
A: I was first struck by the professionalism and organization of the people with whom I was working, and, as I continued doing work for HomeAid, I learned more of what they did for those experiencing homelessness … and the depth of the support that their sponsors have for them. Their supporters’ continued involvement is so impressive.
Q: What has surprised you most about working with HomeAid, especially in terms of homelessness in Northern Virginia?
A: HomeAid’s staff, Board, and volunteers are all so dedicated, and they work so hard for those in the community, whether it’s for their partners who work at the nonprofits who serve individuals and families experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless, or whether it’s directly for the quality of life and betterment of their lives in Northern Virginia. I applaud them all.
Q: What do you love most about your career?
A: Being able to provide individuals and companies a reflection of their company through our printing services. It is very rewarding to be able to provide that for them.
Q: COVID has impacted a lot of organizations in so many ways; how is Printing Productions doing?
A: COVID has had a drastic impact on our company on many levels, from the loss of work from our clients due to cancellations and cutbacks, to trying our best to retain our staff and their families’ livelihoods. At the present time, we have been operating on a reduced work day with all of our employees. But, even with this reduction, we still guarantee quality, customer support, and very fast turnaround on every client project. That’s always been our focus and is something that will never change!
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Thank You!
An enormous thank you to K. Hovnanian Homes for making us the beneficiary of your Trade Partner Council Annual Golf Outing at Westfields Golf Club last month and raising over $27,000 toward our mission of helping those experiencing homelessness in Northern Virginia! We had a great time golfing with all of you, and we are so grateful for the support that comes with this kind of third-party fundraising event: It’s a huge help to receive critical funds from an event that our very small staff doesn’t need to plan!
HomeAid Northern Virginia is Hiring a Full-Time Programs Manager
We’re hiring and looking for candidates with excellent organizational and project management skills, who are looking for a way to use them for the good of their community. This full-time position will involve managing our smaller renovation projects at shelters—from the first administrative details and forms, to visiting construction sites with builders, to planning events to celebrate the completion of projects. More details and application guidelines are available online; please help us find the perfect new addition to our staff!
Badges of Non-Profit Honor
We are proud to announce that HomeAid Northern Virginia has once again been selected for the Catalogue for Philanthropy’s 2020-21 class, highlighting our organization as “one of the best” local nonprofits. In light of the challenges we are facing as a community, hope and resilience are more important than ever. To learn more about the work we are doing during this time, visit our Catalogue page!
As if that isn’t enough, we’re also super proud to report that we also earned a 2020 Gold Seal of Transparency by GuideStar. Now, users can find in-depth information about our goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress, in addition to learning about the work we do. Check us out!
[divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color”]Women in the Building Industry Spring Networking – Thursday, October 15, Paradise Springs Winery, Clifton, VA (Collecting home essential items for HomeAid’s Helping Hands program.)
Building Future Leaders Oktoberfest – Wednesday, October 21, Caboose Commons, Fairfax, VA (Collecting grocery store gift cards and cash donations for HomeAid Northern Virginia, with a 1 to 1 match from Thompson Greenspon.)
Virtual 19th Annual Gala & Auction MASKarade – Saturday, November 14, Lansdowne Resort & Spa, Leesburg, VA
4th Annual GolfAid Fundraiser – Thursday, March 4, 2021, TopGolf Loudoun, Ashburn, VA
2021 Annual Housing Forum – Thursday, May 13, 2021, Reston Community Center, Reston, VA
12th Annual Builders & Friends BBQ – Thursday, June 17, 2021, Location: TBD
7th Annual HomeAid Golf Tournament – Friday, September 17, 2021, Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club, Leesburg, VA
20th Annual HomeAid Gala & Auction – Saturday, November 13, 2021, Lansdown Resort & Spa, Leesburg, VA
In this newsletter:
Executive Director & CEO Corner
Next Month! HomeAid’s MASKarade: Coming Together While Apart Virtual Gala & Auction
HomeAid, K. Hovnanian to Renovate ACTS Thrift Store
Builders for Babies 2020 Kicks Off
Spreading the Good News
Printing Productions, Inc.: Always Making Us Look Good
