There’s always a tremendous amount of work to be done at HomeAid Northern Virginia’s office, and every year, the organization welcomes interns from area colleges to get a taste of what it’s like to work for a non-profit. This summer, four interns have taken the challenge—read on for some highlights from each!

“I chose HomeAid because I have become more involved with non-profit work, and I really wanted to gain an impactful experience with my work experience. HomeAid appealed to me because it focuses on helping the homeless in the area where I’ve lived in my whole life.”

~ Chelsea Legendre, Programs Coordinator from James Madison University, Class of 2014. 


“I applied to HomeAid because I thought it would be a great opportunity in life. HomeAid gives me the chance to give back a little and work with a non-profit, which is a humble start. At HomeAid, I try to make sure our donors know how much they mean to us by sending thank you letters and look for opportunities for grants.”

~Alexandra Claessen, Fundraising Coordinator from Radford University, Class of 2013.

“I love being part of an organization that changes the quality of life for families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness. I chose HomeAid to gain hands-on experience organizing, planning and implementing events; I have a strong interest in event planning, and this internship will help me determine if I want to start my own business as an event planner or project manager after I complete my MBA degree.”

~Emily Elliott, Event Coordinator from Shenandoah University.


“I first saw the opportunity to intern at HomeAid through my university’s career services website, and after reading the job description of the marketing and communications coordinator positions, I knew that HomeAid was an organization I wanted to be a part of. There is nothing more important than to be giving to others, and HomeAid does this perfectly. By working with builders and trade partners to build and renovate emergency shelters/ transitional housing units, it amazes me what HomeAid can do to help the lives of the homeless in Northern Virginia.”

~ Kristie Sov, Marketing/Communications Coordinator from the University of Mary Washington, Class of 2013.