This fall, three interns worked at HomeAid Northern Virginia, helping manage the organization’s always-busy communications, marketing and shelter project efforts and learning a lot about nonprofits in the process. Learn more about their backgrounds and find out how you can help a young adult gain valuable experience.

Communications
Kristen Shaw, a graduate of Roanoke College, with a degree in English and studio art

“I have volunteered with organizations that aid the homeless before, as well as in a few shelters with children, and I am passionate about helping end this problem. I was surprised by the number of homeless persons in Northern Virginia, as this area is so affluent; I just didn’t expect the numbers to be that high, but it goes to show that homelessness doesn’t discriminate. I’m hoping to gain new perspectives on ways to aid the homeless, and the work is humbling. Long term, I hope to continue working in nonprofits.”

Marketing
Rosemarie Baham, a graduate of University of San Carlos with a degree in business administration

“I was drawn to HomeAid Northern Virginia because of the role it plays as a solution architect to alleviate families’ and individuals’ homelessness experience. The collaboration with homebuilders and trade partners to restore badly needed renovations and updates for local facilities is inspirational, particularly as I realized that the homeless are not who I once believed: They come from all walks of life and occupations, and include children. My experience here has opened my eyes to the many other social issues that accompany homelessness.”

Shelter Projects
Frances Dong, a senior majoring in sociology with a minor in international studies at Marymount University

“An internship at HomeAid Northern Virginia was attractive to me because the work here is so meaningful, and I’ve been surprised to learn how many moving parts have to go into each and every project to make it a success. I hope to be able to contribute more to HomeAid and other nonprofits in the future.”