Fairfax City Garage Renovated To Support Mobile Outreach For People Facing Homelessness

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — A former garage space in Fairfax City has been transformed into a staging and storage area for a mobile outreach program serving people experiencing homelessness across Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

HomeAid National Capital Region announced it has completed a $124,059 renovation project for Pathway Homes with Dream Finders Homes serving as builder captain. The project converted part of a 950-square-foot garage into a space that supports Pathway Homes' Mobile Outreach Unit, which delivers showers, food, hygiene supplies and other services directly to people living on the streets.

The organizations marked the completion of the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 29.

The renovation created secure storage and staging space where Pathway Homes staff can prepare supplies and equipment before heading into the community. Construction included new electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, along with two newly framed interior spaces.

The renovated area also includes luxury vinyl plank flooring, a kitchenette with cabinets, countertops, a sink, dishwasher and commercial refrigerators and freezers. A new fire alarm system and lighting were also installed.

Mobile Unit Expands Outreach

According to HomeAid, the Mobile Outreach Unit is designed to bring essential services directly to people experiencing homelessness while creating opportunities for case managers to connect them with housing resources, referrals and permanent housing options.

"At HomeAid, we understand how important it is to meet people where they are, and in many cases, that means bringing services directly to individuals in need in order to build trust and create meaningful connections," said Kristyn Burr, CEO of HomeAid National Capital Region.

Burr said repurposing the underused garage space allows Pathway Homes staff to restock the Mobile Outreach Unit more efficiently and expand services throughout the region.

Dream Finders Homes coordinated construction on the project alongside 23 trade partners that donated labor, materials and professional services.

"It was an honor for Dream Finders Homes to serve as a first-time Builder Captain in partnership with HomeAid," said Tony Cusumano, vice president of operations for Dream Finders Homes. "This project was a true team effort, and we are proud to have worked alongside so many dedicated trade partners who generously donated their time, materials, and expertise."

Project Supports Future Expansion

Pathway Homes CEO Sylisa Lambert-Woodard said the garage renovation is the first phase of a broader effort to redevelop the commercial property.

"HomeAid National Capital Region and Dream Finders Homes are helping us renovate to innovate," Lambert-Woodard said. "Together, they have completed the first phase of converting a commercial property into a multi-purpose facility, beginning with a dedicated space to support our new Mobile Outreach Unit."

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She said future phases will establish the building as Pathway Homes' headquarters while adding space for housing and direct services.

According to HomeAid, the donated labor, materials and professional services allow Pathway Homes to direct more of its resources toward serving individuals experiencing homelessness.

Pathway Homes has served the National Capital region for more than 45 years, providing affordable housing and supportive services to people with serious mental illnesses and other co-occurring disabilities. The nonprofit says it serves nearly 2,000 people annually.

HomeAid National Capital Region partners with the residential building industry to construct and renovate facilities for nonprofits serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The organization says it has completed more than 205 construction projects across the region.