On September 6 at 10:00 a.m., HomeAid Northern Virginia will celebrate the dedication of a new, 4,000 sq. ft. expansion of Northern Virginia Family Service’s family emergency shelter located at SERVE in Manassas.
The expansion, led by Builder Captain K. Hovnanian Homes and 28 trade partners, is—at press time—nearing completion. It will allow Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) to significantly increase the number of clients they serve each month, with room for an additional 32 beds (bringing their capacity from 60 beds to 92) as well as new, common-use areas for meetings and life-skills training. Through this renovation, a new, separate family wing will provide private space for client families. The existing structure was also extensively rehabilitated, with completely reconfigured space that created larger administrative workspaces for staff, the removal of walls to create larger gathering spaces for residents, replacement of the flooring, interior paint throughout, and new cabinetry in the playroom. Outside, a play area was relocated and expanded.
“This project has expanded our client capacity by more than 50 percent,” said Mary Agee, CEO of NVFS. “Due to the increase in our shelter’s overall capacity, we look forward to being even more effective in reducing homelessness in Prince William County. We’re incredibly grateful for our relationship with HomeAid Northern Virginia, and in this case to K. Hovnanian and all of the trade partners who made this possible, as well as to the City of Manassas, Prince William County, the Freddie Mac Foundation and E.E. Wine Co.”
Pete Thompson, group president for K. Hovnanian Homes, says his company has participated with HomeAid many times, in part because they feel that it’s an obligation as good corporate citizens, and to be a part of all the good work that HomeAid does.
“But most of all—as with this SERVE project and others—it’s because our people get energized by it. As an organization, from the top down, we all feel that we get as much as we give, and it gives all of us a huge energy boost. It’s exciting to know that we’re making such a big difference to so many,” he said.
“We also appreciate that projects like these give people at all levels of our company the chance to really shine,” added Gary Chandler, Virginia division president for K. Hovnanian. “Chris Payne handled all of the purchasing on this project; managed the overall construction effort and also led tours of the facility for the HomeAid board; and our two superintendents—Dave Downhour and Mike Wharton—did a terrific job from start to finish. Lastly, another enormous reason these projects are even possible is because of the trade partners, who are so willing to invest a lot of time and do the work at a huge discount. I think we’re all doing it for the same reasons; everyone is raising their hand and asking how they can help.”
Thanks to K. Hovnanian Homes for the SERVE project and to all of the trade partners!
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| Trade Partner Spotlight: C&C Carpentry
In a project that took the efforts of nearly 30 trade partners, it’s not easy to single out just one company, but at the SERVE project, which involved a 4,000 square foot expansion and the renovation of existing shelter space, one company carried a significant load: C&C Carpentry, which handled all of the framing construction. “Every trade partner is invaluable, and without question C&C completed the largest scope of work due to the immense amount of framing this project required,” said Joe Murray, vice president of construction for K. Hovnanian. “We’ve worked with C&C many times, and on every project, they’re always incredibly cooperative, and Chet, the owner, always dedicates enough manpower to ensure that we stay on schedule. That’s important on any job, but it’s particularly important when we’re working on a shelter that so many depend on.” Chet Carey, owner of C&C Carpentry, was honored to help. “Whenever we’re asked by one of our valued customers to help others in the community, we say ‘yes.’ Our business has picked up after a few tough years in the housing industry, and we felt like it’s just the right thing to do at this time. Last year, we built two homes for the Homes for Our Troops organization, and this year we were pleased to work with HomeAid and K. Hovnanian on the SERVE project. It’s my philosophy to always try to give back, and I didn’t hesitate to say yes to this opportunity.” C&C Carpentry was founded in 1991 and specializes in framing carpentry for custom homes and high volume, national builder production homes. The company is on track to complete 800 homes this year. For more information about C&C Carpentry, call 540.710.8950. |
Attention Builders and Suppliers!
Do you have new, or like new, furnishings, appliances or other home items that could be donated to HomeAid? Every year, we coordinate distribution of donated items via Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore outlets in Northern Virginia, and any funds raised through the ReStore outlets are then used by HomeAid to further its mission of building and renovating emergency and transitional housing for local homeless individuals and families. Only bulk donations are accepted, however. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Christy Eaton.
If you have model furniture to donate, please let us know. Many of our shelter partners would be happy to take it off your hands, and you’ll get a tax deduction!
