Every project we do serves its community and makes an impact in unique ways – some through housing, others through food pantries, and some through support services such as life skills or job training. As you’ll read in this issue of Building Hope, our newest project with Communities of Trust is one that I am incredibly excited about, knowing that it will make the kind of impact that will flip the script on how we can best serve at-risk youth.

Our core mission – building and constructing – is critical to all of our projects, just as it will be for this one. But look a little deeper, and you’ll see we will be transforming space for young people, where they can gather, find community, and engage in a positive way with law enforcement. This partnership with Communities of Trust will offer kids the skills they need to make good choices that affect their future, increase graduation rates, and create an outlet to strengthen relationships with family and friends.

Communities of Trust will focus on preventative solutions for youth to put them on the path to success, mobilizing an entire community and creating strategies to help prevent youth from going down the wrong path, providing a safety net and giving hope to disadvantaged youth. HomeAid is thrilled to step up and do our part to build a beautiful space where kids can come together to find mentors, discover a hobby, pursue a passion, and build ties with their community. Read more about Communities of Trust below, and please join me in watching this exciting project progress from the planning stages to the ribbon cutting!

We’re just one short month away from our 13^th Annual Builders & Friends BBQ – NOW is the time to register or sponsor our most popular Summer event of the year! Our Pit Boss and Grill King sponsorships are SOLD OUT, but Smokehouse, BBQ Master, and BBQ Chef levels still remain (at press time); find out more – and register to attend- today!

We’ll be announcing our Annual Trade Partner of the Year honoree, celebrating the homebuilders and trade partners who make our mission of rebuilding lives possible, and offering all-you-can-eat BBQ, a craft beer open bar, seasonal cocktails, live music, cornhole games, and raffle prizes. You cannot miss this great event!

If you participated in a HomeAid project between July 2021 and now, you get TWO FREE tickets to the BBQ. Contact Cilda Pretorius with questions or to reserve your tickets today at 703.953.3525. RSVP by June 13, 2022!

Miller & Smith has collaborated with HomeAid for many years, serving as a Builder Captain, sponsor, event supporter, and most recently building a playhouse for one of our projects. Tom Hyde, COO, has played an integral role in encouraging staff and participating himself in the company’s philanthropic efforts. Find out how Tom first got involved … and why he finds shopping HomeAid’s Amazon wish lists particularly enjoyable!

Q: Miller & Smith is an important partner; how is the company’s philanthropic philosophy shared with staff?

A: Our founders felt passionate that we were not only building houses; we were building communities that we should continue to support. Miller & Smith participated in local associations and charitable arms, and there was the expectation that the team would do the same. At the time, Chad Stewart served on the Board of the Home Builders Care Foundation in Maryland, and Doug Smith was on the Board of HomeAid. Both were always very engaged. There were years we would take on larger projects as Builder Captain and company days when we’d all help out at a house or playground by landscaping or cleaning up. It’s just part of who we are and part of our culture.

Q: What inspired you to get involved with HomeAid as an individual?

A: The pandemic really drove me to want to do more. Everyone was stretched so thin, it was next to impossible to hold an event let alone encourage anyone to come, and we all lost so many opportunities and avenues for giving back. So knowing that I could easily make a difference in a way as simple as collecting diapers or home essentials was a safe, simple way to support, and I’ve continued doing it since we’ve returned to the office.

Q: If someone was on the fence about getting involved, what would you tell them?

A: No matter how you can help, you’ll make a difference. Financial contributions are amazing – the organization can spend dollars exactly as they need to, so if you don’t have time to donate goods or you don’t have the skills to help with a project, consider making a cash donation. The Amazon wish lists that HomeAid has set up are a really easy, fun, and interesting way to give back. Your personality can really come out as you shop and select what you think are priorities from the lists, and it feels like taking a little personal tour through your own home as you think about what you’d like to gift someone else. Helping from your desk can be just as worthwhile as the many other ways to help.

Big Fun, Big Learning at National Conference in Texas

HomeAid Northern Virginia Executive Director and CEO Kristyn Burr traveled to Austin, Texas, in April for the HomeAid Spring National Leadership Conference, meeting with leadership from all 19 affiliates to share best practices and continue to work on building a future without homelessness. The group also toured Community First Village, a 51-acre master-planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness.

Bank of America Lends a Hand

Thanks to Bank of America for your recent $5,000 grant donation, which we will use to support our mission of ending homelessness in Northern Virginia and be used to help offset the costs of the Communities of Trust project located in Alexandria, VA.

Thank You, Zonda

A round of appreciation to Zonda, for making HomeAid Northern Virginia the beneficiary of all proceeds raised at their Frame Workshops. 100 percent of your $50 registration fee will be donated to HomeAid Northern Virgina. We appreciate your generosity and willingness to help share the word about our mission!