HomeAid NCR Builds Hope with Second Story
Every October, organizations and individuals unite across the country to acknowledge survivors of domestic violence and advocate for putting an end to it
According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime and younger women are among the most at risk. It’s also widely known that intimate partner violence is a leading cause of homelessness among children and young women who often do not have safe alternative living situations.
Domestic violence survivors can face significant barriers when looking for and maintaining stable housing. Teenage mothers face even more challenges, including minimal financial means, limited education and the lack of a stable support system as well as affordable housing options. This kind of instability can lead to additional risks for both mothers and their children including malnutrition, mental health issues, drug and alcohol use and homelessness.
HomeAid National Capital Region works with local nonprofits who bridge gaps for those who need the hand up across the Greater Washington, D.C. area. Second Story (formerly known as Alternative House) located in Fairfax, VA is a vital resource in the community for pregnant and parenting women aged 16-24. Second Story provides housing, counseling, childcare and training, putting an emphasis on parenting skills, education, job readiness and basic self-sufficiency. Adolescent women and their children can live independently in group homes owned by the organizations for up to 18 months and receive comprehensive counseling and other services to help meet their basic needs. Programs like this have the power to change the trajectory for a young mom and her children, by giving them the tools they need to thrive.
HomeAid NCR has been partnering with Second Story since our inception in 2001 when we did our very first construction project on their teen shelter. A couple of months ago we partnered with them again to complete a much-needed renovation in one of their Young Mother’s homes. We value our long-standing relationships with service providers who have continued to grow to meet the needs of our community. The renovation on the 1,975 square foot town home included fresh paint, brand new laminate plank flooring and bathroom fixtures. As well as, updated kitchen appliances and countertops, HVAC system repairs and a custom built-in storage. On the exterior, landscaping was provided to create an inviting space to heal, and we were able to provide a custom playhouse through our Project Playhouse program, providing the gift of imagination and play to the residents’ children. This critical renovation totaled just over $70,000, 100% of which was donated by our Builder Captain Stanley Martin Homes, the 16 trade partners who worked on this project and HomeAid NCR.
At HomeAid, our unique model of rebuilding lives through construction creates impact far beyond bricks and mortar. Our partnerships with the building industry save nonprofits hundreds of thousands of dollars in critical funding which can instead be turned back into housing programs and services, rather than covering the costs of construction. Our one-of-a-kind approach ensures the work is done professionally, timely and with a trauma informed lens, meeting people and projects where they are. And we don’t stop at simply making the spaces functional, we use high quality and sustainable materials that provide dignity, pride and hope for those being served.
At the heart of healing is safety and at the heart of progress is opportunity. We believe that every person, big and small, deserves both a safe place to recover and a chance to move forward with their lives.
Giving Back to the Community
HomeAid is a national nonprofit that partners with the building industry to construct, renovate and maintain housing and shelter facilities for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. By leveraging donated labor, materials and expertise, they significantly reduce construction costs for service providers, allowing resources to go further. Along with housing, HomeAid provides outreach programs that supply essential items like food, clothing and hygiene products. HomeAid’s partnerships work by connecting local builders, trade partners and suppliers with nonprofit service providers that support people experiencing homelessness. HomeAid recruits builders and trade partners to donate labor, expertise and materials, in return, builders and partners get the chance to give back to their communities in a meaningful way. Their core priority is to end homelessness by creating safe, dignified housing and fostering community engagement, giving vulnerable individuals and families the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Kristyn Burr is the CEO of HomeAid National Capital Region. She may be reached at kburr@homeaid.org
