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 transitional center located at SERVE in Manassas, as well as the renovation of the existing shelter.
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!
