Manassas, Va. – February 24, 2022 –HomeAid Northern Virginia recently completed a construction project at House of Mercy, a nonprofit working to provide food and clothing to those in need in our community.

HomeAid Northern Virginia, Builder Captain Merritt Construction, and nine trade partners renovated the thrift store and expanded the pantry at House of Mercy.

HomeAid Northern Virginia, Builder Captain Merritt Construction, and nine trade partners renovated the thrift store and expanded the pantry at House of Mercy.

The goal of the project was to give staff and volunteers a suitable space to operate programs and better serve those seeking assistance. Merritt Construction started by building out a room where donors can drop off donations in an organized manner. An indoor walkway was also created linking the Donation Center directly to the thrift store so volunteers will no longer have to walk outside to get from one space to another. The hallway will be especially important during inclement weather and extreme heat to keep volunteers safe and operations running smoothly. The Food Pantry at House of Mercy, which serves 1,850 individuals each month was expanded to shelve more food donations. New interior lighting, paint and an expansion of the breakroom/kitchen area made the project complete and ready to adequately serve more people.

The Food Pantry and Thrift Store are open to anyone who needs assistance. The programs give people the autonomy to shop and select items to provide clothing and healthy and nutritious meal options to their families. “House of Mercy is uniquely set-up to serve anyone despite where they live,” says Jessica Root, Executive Director at House of Mercy. “Ninety-three percent of our clients live in Prince William County, but we welcome anyone regardless of where they reside. We never want people to have to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table.

HomeAid’s partnership with Merritt Construction saved House of Mercy $87,000 in labor, time and expertise. Merritt Construction and nine trade partners donated sixty percent of the project, while HomeAid contributed 20% of the expenses to help fill the cost gaps. This type of donation from homebuilders and trade partners allows nonprofits like House of Mercy to funnel their limited resources into programs that support clients working to get back on their feet. “The nonprofits we serve continue to face challenges in regards to space and structural safety,” says Kristyn Burr, Executive Director and CEO of HomeAid Northern Virginia. “Luckily, thanks to donors like Merritt Construction we are able to step up to help create solutions that have lasting effects on our community.

On February 24^th HomeAid Northern Virginia hosted an open house for volunteers, staff and construction partners to celebrate the completion of the project and tour the facility.

About House of Mercy

House of Mercy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides food, clothing, education and prayer to those in need in our community. They work with over 450 families per month through our food pantry and thrift store to help with basic needs.

About HomeAid Northern Virginia

HANV brings together local nonprofit service providers with the local homebuilder community to build/renovate homeless shelters, housing facilities and community spaces for programs serving those experiencing homelessness. These collaborative partnerships enable homebuilders to do what they do best (build) and service providers to do what they do best (provide housing and critical wraparound services). HANV has completed more than 160 construction projects that together have served as a safe and stable space for more than 197,000 vulnerable individuals in our community.