Daffodil House Apartments Nearly 50% Complete

Large windows bring lots of light into Daffodil House apartments.

Daffodil House crossed a major milestone in June 2010. Half of the 30 apartments at Daffodil House are complete. Seven residents have moved into their new homes, and another eight units are available for new residents. Building Futures is working with organizations serving persons living with HIV/AIDS to identify new prospective residents. Residents must have a housing voucher of some type to move in.

New apartments at Daffodil House feature new bamboo floors, an all-white ceramic tile bathroom, and closet organizers in its closets. The D.C. Department of the Environment is donating Energy Star refrigerators and HVAC units, plus new water heaters for each apartment, which will help new residents reduce their energy costs.

Daffodil House plans to move forward with construction on additional apartments upon receipt of new funds from the D.C. Department of Mental Health/D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development. A grant of $450,000 is expected to close in July 2010.

For more information about Daffodil House, contact Maritza Perez-Falero at (202) 639-0361, x303.

Daffodil House's all-electric kitchens include Energy Star refrigerators provided by the DC Department of the Environment.

Volunteers

Volunteers from the American Association of Medical Colleges tackled the amazing completion of all of Marigold Place's yard facing the street. Their efforts were coordinated by Greater DC Cares.

Building Futures relies on community volunteers to contribute their personal time, effort, and care in support of our families and their housing. We work with both groups of volunteers and individuals.

Fixing up Daffodil House for new residents is our top priority right now. Groups of volunteers have helped remove old carpeting and tiles, damaged drywall, and old appliances, patched holes in walls, painted hallways and stairwells, and performed other tasks.  Special thanks to volunteers from these organizations:

• Fannie Mae (ERG and HIV/AIDS Committees)
• Greater DC Cares through its annual Servathon
• Yachad DC (and Congregation Beth-El in Bethesda)

Looking for a volunteer project for yourself or a group?

Check out our volunteer opportunities!

Join Building Futures to Help the Homeless!

The Saturday before Thanksgiving — November 21 this year — features one of the Washington, DC metro area’s largest charity events, the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless walk.  It benefits dozens of local nonprofit organizations that serve the homeless, including Building Futures, whose supporters are registering for the walk, recruiting donors, and hosting Mini Walks at a local school.  Local residents are encouraged to register online, select Building Futures as their beneficiary organization, and then ask their friends and colleagues to sponsor them for the walk.

Help the Homeless activities raise awareness about homelessness in Washington, DC and help residents understand the importance of supporting efforts to prevent people from becoming homeless, provide housing for people who are homeless now, and provide supportive services to support homeless persons.

Building Futures is partnering again this year with Ideal Academy Public Charter School in northwest Washington, DC, which provides quality education to students from preschool through high school.  At least two Mini-Walks are scheduled for students at Ideal Academy, with October 21 tentatively set as date for the first Mini-Walk.  The Mini-Walk educates students about solutions to homelessness and teaches them the value of giving back to their community from an early age.  At the same time, students participating in the Mini-Walk generate Help the Homeless donations to support Building Futures programs.

Building Futures is making Help the Homeless activities its top priority for fall fundraising.  Funds raised during this event will directly support Daffodil House, our newest property with 30 units.  At least half of the new residents of Daffodil House will be homeless individuals moving in newly renovated apartments directly from shelters, transitional housing, or other temporary situations.  Daffodil House will provide permanent homes they never need to leave, plus supportive services to help them rebuild their lives.

Please join us for the Help the Homeless walk on November 21 down on the National Mall by registering today!