Tackling Homelessness in the DMV with Kristyn Burr of HomeAid Northern Virginia

For the 10th year in a row, Loudoun County, Virginia, has been named the No. 1 county in America for median household income. Despite all our financial fortune in the DC area, homelessness is still very much a problem for many of our citizens. Listen to Kristyn Burr, Executive Director of HomeAid Northern Virginia, talk about tackling the problem of homelessness in the DMV.

 Takeaways from our conversation:

• HomeAid’s mission was created by NVBIA in 2001. They serve other non-profit, building and renovating projects in the area by supplying money, expertise, time, labor and materials.
  
  
• How big is the problem of homelessness? 6,000 people across Northern Virginia, at any time, are homeless—with 25% of that number being children. Many factors contribute to the problem. Among these can be mental illness, domestic disputes, loss of employment, and drug and alcohol abuse.
  
  
• The causes can affect anyone regardless of income or social situation. No one is immune.
    
• HomeAid has completed 150 projects! This translates to an $18 million investment in our community.  $11 million were in the form of donations—making our area safer and life more humane for those affected by homelessness.
  
  
• The organization’s contributions are more than just buildings and fixtures, they transform the lives of individuals in dire need. Human dignity is at the forefront of all HomeAid’s activities.
  
  
• HomeAid is also involved in activities to address immediate needs such as collecting school supplies, coats, clothing, diapers and more.
  
  
• How can the public help? Attend fund-raising events and participate, but also learn more about the work they do within the community by visiting https://homeaidnova.org/.