HomeAid’s Annual Gala Raises More Than $250,000 to Fund Renovations to Homeless Shelters and Supportive Housing Properties in Northern Virginia
Nov. 8, 2015 – Chantilly, VA — HomeAid Northern Virginia (HANV) recognized local businesses, nonprofits and individuals for positive community impact and serving vulnerable families in the Northern Virginia region with its 2017 Presidents’ Circle Awards. HomeAid, a nonprofit that renovates homeless shelters and housing facilities via the donated expertise, labor and resources of local homebuilders, presented the following awards at its 16th Annual Gala & Auction on Nov. 4th at the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg.
Nonprofit Service Provider Project of the Year Award: Community Lodging
Community Lodgings lifts families from homelessness and instability to independence and self-sufficiency through its affordable housing and transitional housing options, as well as community outreach and youth education programs throughout the Northern Virginia region. Community Lodgings partnered with HANV this year on a renovation of its multi-unit supportive housing property in Alexandria’s Arlandria-Chirilagua neighborhood. The HANV-led renovation included a complete upgrade of the property’s six existing affordable housing units, as well as the reconfiguration of space to create a seventh two-bedroom unit – enabling more families to call the property “home.” The renovation was completed by a consortium of four local homebuilders convened by HomeAid: Brookfield Residential, Evergreene Companies, M/I Homes, and Richmond American Homes. Importantly, the property’s onsite learning center was also upgraded, enabling families to take advantage of afterschool and youth mentoring programs, daily nutritious meals, and computer and English as a Second Language classes for families—setting up the children who live there and in the surrounding community for brighter futures. The award recognizes Community Lodgings’ impact on its community and on the lives of the clients it serves.
Trade Partner of the Year Award: Buhl Electric
HomeAid’s trade partners are those in the home building industry – suppliers, manufacturers, electricians, plumbers, etc. – who play meaningful roles in shelter construction projects by donating materials, time, labor and expertise. A family-founded and family-run company based in Sterling, Buhl Electric Company, Inc. has been wiring new homes in Virginia for more than 50 years. The company has supported through donation and in-kind services/expertise to 11 different HANV projects, including Youth for Tomorrow, Shelter House and ACTS Turning Points Domestic Violence Program. Buhl Electric has also been a sponsor of numerous HANV events, including the Gala, the annual Night at the Ballpark, and the Builder & Friends BBQ. The Trade Partner of the Year award recognizes Buhl Electric’s willingness to regularly be “first in line to help” and provide meaningful assistance with HomeAid’s projects to serve our region’s communities. The award was accepted by John Buhl, Jr., president of Buhl Electric and an active member of HomeAid’s Board of Directors.
Presidents’ Award: Brian Davidson of Van Metre Homes
Brian Davidson, Group President of Van Metre Homes, was awarded the 2017 Presidents Award, HomeAid’s most prestigious award for individuals. Davidson has a long tenure of involvement and leadership with HomeAid Northern Virginia: he served as the 2015 board president, and 2014 board secretary. Under his leadership, Van Metre has served as a builder captain for projects including Shelter House’s Ives House and Artemis House and ACTS Women’s Empowerment Center, as well as helped fund enhancements to the Alexandria Women’s Shelter and Women Giving Back. Van Metre Homes and the Van Metre Foundation have been long-time supporters of HANV, and many of their own fundraising initiatives – such as their annual fall Cornhole Challenge – have raised funds for HANV. Davidson’s receipt of the HANV President’s Award is a natural extension of his personal interest in making a positive impact on the community and of Van Metre’s long-held commitment to philanthropy.
More than $250,000 Raised at Annual Gala
HomeAid Northern Virginia’s 2017 annual gala raised more than $250,000 to build and renovate homeless shelters and supportive housing facilities. Intercoastal Mortgage Company served as the presenting sponsor of the event that included more than 500 people in attendance. The awards ceremony was sponsored by Buhl Electric Company.
About HomeAid Northern Virginia
HomeAid Northern Virginia, a chapter of HomeAid America, convenes and mobilizes the local homebuilding business community and its corporate partners to undertake new construction and major renovations for homeless shelters and supporting housing facilities owned by nonprofit service providers that help homeless individuals and families in our community gain stability and get back on the road to self-sufficiency. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the organization was started in 2001 by members of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA) and, since then, has completed more than 118 projects valued at more than $14.7 million, serving more than 98,500 homeless individuals.
