The campaign, which began in November 2018, set a timeline to raise all of the funds by the end of 2022. Thanks to an unprecedented groundswell of financial support from hundreds of individuals and groups, the organization hit its mark almost four months ahead of schedule.
"To say we are excited to have completed this campaign goal is an understatement," said Housing Families First executive director Beth Vann-Turnbull. "I am grateful to our amazing supporters for stepping up to help us expand our facilities and programs."
Now that campaign goals have been reached, Housing Families First will be able to provide:
- An opportunity for 300 additional people to move into permanent housing each year
- 10 additional shelter beds in private room settings
- An additional fully handicapped-accessible shelter bedroom and bathroom
- Improved family-friendly communal areas and activity areas for children
- Additional space for volunteer activities and community resources
- More parking spaces for clients, staff, and volunteers
"Homelessness is a community issue and it takes the community’s support to create actionable solutions that work," said Kelly Evans, president of the organization's board of directors. "To all of the organizations and individuals who made this happen, you were the solution and we are eternally grateful."
"Simply put, this campaign will transform lives," noted Housing Families First board members and community campaign co-chairs Will Melton and Becky McNeer. "Even though our shelter was already the largest in the area for families, there is always room for more improvements so we can help more families, and that is what this campaign accomplished."
Construction on the shelter's renovation began in the midst of fundraising efforts in February 2022 and is almost complete. Canterbury Enterprises is the general contractor for the project and Arnold Design Studio provided architectural design. Viridiant provided owner’s representation services. In addition to the renovation of numerous rooms and public spaces in the shelter, the construction project will also add nearly 4,000 square-feet of new space to the shelter, which is located at 3900 Nine Mile Road in Henrico, VA.
Housing Families First is working on plans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house event later this fall.