Local Projects

General Focus
The focus of the projects selected by the Home Builders Care Foundation's (HBCF) Board of Directors is shelter-related. Approved projects regularly assist non-profit community service organizations that work with the homeless and at-risk populations. The Foundation works on a collaborative basis with existing community service providers to complete projects. As builders, we do what we do best and they, as social service providers, do what they do best.

Because HBCF has access to the resources of the building industry, we are able to provide beneficiary organizations with labor and materials (either in-kind or for a nominal amount) that would otherwise cost significantly more. Our ability to deliver shelter to the needy at a greatly reduced cost through professional "hands-on"help and assistance enables community service providers to preserve their resources for their ongoing social programs.

HBCF services the Maryland-National Capital community, the same area served by its parent association, the Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association (MNCBIA).

• District of Columbia
• Calvert County, Maryland
• Charles County, Maryland
• Montgomery County, Maryland
• Prince George‚s County, Maryland
• St. Mary‚s County, Maryland

Sample Projects
HBCF projects have included:

* Undertaking extensive repair work in a 65-year-old building in downtown Washington DC that serves as one of the largest shelters for homeless men in the city. The project includes the complete renovation of bathroom facilities, improved ventilation and lighting, and installing new flooring throughout the shelter‚s primary sleeping areas.

* Extensively renovating a ten-unit apartment building in collaboration with Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission, the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. The new units now provide permanent supportive housing for disabled individuals who are exiting homelessness.

* Building a new 5800 square foot, 100-bed emergency shelter for homeless men in Montgomery County. The facility provides storage, laundry, kitchen, bath and shower facilities, as well as private counseling offices.

* Refurbishing a 70-year-old home in Prince George‚s County that serves as a shelter for four mentally challenged adults and their live-in counselor. The repairs will improve the safety of the facility and provide a comfortable setting where the residents can live in dignity.

* Raising thousands of dollars and additional support to help Charles and Calvert County residents rebuild after a tornado destroyed or damaged their homes in the spring of 2002.

* Replacing all of the carpeting and flooring in a long-vacant apartment building in Washington DC. The 13-unit building will provide much needed accommodations for homeless families transitioning into permanent housing.

* Fixing numerous homes owned by elderly, low-income, and the physically challenged as part of an annual rebuilding day program held throughout the District of Columbia and Maryland.

Process
On an ongoing basis, non-profit organizations and community service groups submit applications for in-kind assistance, which are reviewed by the Project Selection Committee. The HBCF Board of Directors meet monthly to discuss potential projects and delegate appropriate actions to be taken. Once the Board of Directors approves a project, a full-scale campaign is initiated to solicit building industry volunteers. Members of MNCBIA have continuously demonstrated their willingness to help in any way they can with the shelter-related projects undertaken by HBCF.

Recent Accomplishments

A 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Community Outreach Program affiliated with the Maryland National-Capital Building Industry Association.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.