“Mommy, I’m going to ask God to always bless the people who did this for us.”

So said a 12-year old boy to his mother, Maria, the first time they walked into their new home, a condominium owned by Homestretch and recently renovated by Builder Captain Miller & Smith and 19 trade partners.

“The Homestretch renovation was an opportunity to give a family a new beginning,” said Scott Alford, vice president of production for Miller & Smith. “We completely transformed the condominium from top to bottom, as well as professionally decorated and furnished it. It became so much more than just paint and cabinets—it became a home. We can participate and help because of the generosity of the subcontractors who always go above and beyond to donate their time and materials.”

The $90,000 project renovation included the total renovation and expansion of the kitchen, including new appliances; renovated bathroom; new HVAC system, electrical fixtures, appliances and plumbing fixtures; window treatments; interior paint; redesigned interior common area to open up the space; and new interior doors, trim, and hardware. Furnishings and décor were also specifically purchased for the 12 year-old boy and the 10- and 9-year old girls who now live there.

“When I opened the door, I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry, because I have only seen [homes like] this in the movies,” said Maria. “Only God could have moved people to do something like this for people they didn’t know. I don’t have any words, but I will always hold you all in my prayers.”

“Homestretch, a program for homeless families located in Falls Church, was extremely fortunate to have one of our most distressed units renovated by HomeAid and Miller & Smith,” said Christopher Fay, executive director of Homestretch. “But to call it a renovation does not adequately describe the incredible makeover of the unit; it was transformational, and the unit went from being our worst to our best.  The new family coming in—a single mother (and victim of severe domestic violence) fell to her knees in tears of joy and prayers of thanksgiving when she saw her new home. Homestretch, like many nonprofits, operates on a modest budget, stretching every penny, and this new unit was literally breathtaking to behold. Words can barely express our gratitude.”