Two Northern Virginia homes receive A Brush with Kindness from Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia (Habitat NoVa) begins its exterior renovation program, A Brush with Kindness, on its first two homes in Alexandria and Fairfax.

A Brush with Kindness serves low-income homeowners who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes. Habitat NoVa adopted the program in April, 2011, because it allows the organization to serve more people, and supports its mission to increase the number of families living in safe, decent, affordable housing.
Only two months after announcing A Brush with Kindness program, Habitat NoVa has its first two qualified homes receiving help from the program. Both homes require exterior renovations, which will be fixed by volunteers and Habitat staff.

“We are excited to revitalize North Virginia neighborhoods, and have the community come together for these two projects,” says Bobby Aikines, Assistant Director of Construction for Habitat NoVa.

The first A Brush with Kindness home, is owned by a family of four. The hard-working parents are unable to afford the exterior upkeep needed on the home. Home repairs include replacing siding, updating trim, and landscaping. The Alexandria home changes should take volunteers one to two days to complete.

The second homeowner receiving A Brush with Kindness has a more dramatic story. The Fairfax homeowner – a single mother of three – fell and broke her back. She has been in and out of work due to excruciating back pain. Her finances have significantly suffered as well as her ability to maintain the appearance of her home. In addition to the mother’s back trauma, the oldest daughter, 23 years, was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia stepped in to give this homeowner a hand up. The home repairs include a completely new roof, soffits, and gutters. The repairs will be completed by Habitat Nova next week.

A Brush with Kindness is part of Habitat’s broader holistic community development strategy, which assists communities as well as families. It revitalizes the appearance of the neighborhood, strengthens connections within the community through community work days, and helps preserve affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. The mission of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is to build safe, decent, affordable homes in partnership with local families in need. The Northern Virginia affiliate serves families in Arlington and Fairfax Counties, Falls Church, Alexandria, and the City of Fairfax. Since its founding in 1990, Habitat Northern Virginia has built or renovated 78 homes, giving almost 400 individuals a hand up out of poverty housing.