On March 9, HomeAid Northern Virginia and Operation Renewed Hope Foundation, conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Willowood Lane, in Alexandria, VA, celebrating the recent completion of a renovation and expansion project which provides new life to group housing for veterans experiencing homelessness. The project was made possible thanks to a large collaboration of contributors which included the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA).
The FCRHA awarded Operation Renewed Hope Foundation $582,274 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the acquisition and necessary rehabilitation of two homes to serve veteran families at or below 50 percent of the area median income. The completion of the home located on Willowood Lane is second of the two projects – the first was completed in 2019 – and both are now providing affordable long-term housing to veterans and their families who are homeless or are at-risk of homelessness.
“Only housing can end homelessness,” said Tom Barnett, Director of Fairfax County’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness. “Partnerships like this one make all the difference in helping people experiencing homelessness find stability.”
Renovations to the Willowood Lane home included expanding the home with an additional ADA compliant bedroom and bathroom by converting a carport into living space; converted the upstairs layout into two large bedrooms with a ‘Jack and Jill’ shared bathroom; and renovated a basement bedroom with an en-suite bath. In addition, the kitchen, shared living spaces, flooring, electric and plumbing, light fixtures, roof, and exterior siding were completely renovated and updated.
“We’re so proud of our partnership; preservation and creation of affordable housing is a communitywide effort,” stated Laura Lazo, Associate Director, Grants Management, with the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development. “The [FCRHA] has worked with more than 20 non-profits over the years providing federal CDBG and HOME funding resulting in the successful acquisition and preservation of approximately 300 scattered site homes.”
Photos and video of the event are available online.
About HomeAid Northern Virginia
HomeAid connects regional builders and housing industry professionals with non-profits focused on ending homelessness. This connection allows each group to do what they do best. HomeAid’s partner builders and trade partners donate their expertise, time, and resources to renovate or build homeless shelters, housing facilities, and other non-profit spaces.
About Operation Renewed Hope
Operation Renewed Hope Foundation’s continued efforts to serve veterans, many of whom are at risk of becoming homeless, are aligned with one of the main goals of the FCRHA - to prioritize housing assistance for those that are most vulnerable in our community, especially those who have dedicated their lives in service to our nation.