Home builders and trades donate time, materials, and services for building and grounds

Building industry nonprofit HomeAid Atlanta recently wrapped up work on a new 28,000 sq. ft. facility adding 55 beds at Gainesville’s Gateway Domestic Violence Center. Since 1982, Gateway has been providing safety, shelter, and support for those impacted by domestic violence.

HomeAid assisted with construction by providing building materials, appliances, interior design services, and more. In addition to its bedrooms, the new home features 6 rooms for support groups, a dining room, staff offices, laundry, kitchen, overnight staff bedroom, storage, computer lab, quiet common rooms, and a playroom. Together, the following companies and individuals donated nearly $75,000 worth of in-kind donations in support of the project:

Builders FirstSource 

Danlar Lighting

GE Appliances

Jim Beveridge

Lennar Atlanta

Mid-America by Boral Building Products

Precision Framing and Siding LLC

Sherwin-Williams

Following the completion of the new building, HomeAid got to work on the grounds.  On June 2, approximately 30 David Weekley Homes employees volunteered at a HomeAid Care Day to kick off an extensive landscaping project at the site. Volunteer-led HomeAid Care Days provide facility upgrades and repairs free-of-charge at metro Atlanta service providers helping people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The work of the Care Day included rolling out 9,000 sq. ft. of sod and planting 1,200 shrubs, plants, and trees to beautify a detention pond. Southern Design Landscaping offered expert leadership throughout the day, in addition to providing discounts on materials and labor. David Weekley CARES generously donated $10,000 to assist with the cost of the sod, plants, and other materials.

Prior to the Care Day, Strack, Inc. completed necessary grading of the site with assistance from Sheppard Trucking, Valor Environmental, and Rochester & Associates Planning and Engineering. Additionally, Herbert Construction prepared the site for an upcoming concrete pour to create a basketball half-court and a sidewalk for families with room for bikes and strollers.

Thanks to David Weekley Homes, Southern Design Landscaping, Strack, Inc, and others, the June 2 Care Day and prep work provided an additional savings of nearly $50,000 for Gateway. Instead of spending funds on facility maintenance, Gateway can use these savings to help the women seeking refuge there.

“This landscape-focused Care Day was by far, our most ambitious to date. Volunteers worked tirelessly in the hot sun with enthusiasm and energy to provide a space for these families to enjoy time relaxing and playing together outside. It was a remarkable transformation and would not have been possible without the incredible generosity and hard work of everyone involved. Their efforts will be appreciated for years to come,” said Karen McLane, HomeAid Atlanta Director of Community Engagement.

HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization founded in 2001, with a mission to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement, and education. HomeAid builds, renovates, and maintains facilities for nonprofits serving people experiencing homelessness. HomeAid has completed over 180 construction projects at locations for victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, veterans and more, utilizing connections with building industry professionals and community organizations. HomeAid also provides essential items like diapers, wipes, and hygiene products to those affected by homelessness. HomeAid is the designated charity of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. Learn more at www.homeaidatlanta.org.