Team of volunteers

Safer Homes, Stronger Communities: Our 2025 Impact in Fairfax County

“When homes are safe and accessible, residents can remain independent, secure, and connected to the communities they call home.”

At Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church (RT-AFF), our mission is simple but powerful: help neighbors live in safe, healthy homes. Through our 2025 contract with Fairfax County’s Department of Housing and Community Development, we provided critical home repairs and accessibility modifications that allow low-income homeowners—especially older adults and residents with disabilities—to remain safely in the homes they love.

Our Year One Contract Report highlights the impact of this work across Fairfax County. In 2025, RT-AFF completed a total of 1,070 repairs for 113 low-income homeowners, addressing health and safety hazards and helping residents remain independent and secure in their homes.

The repairs completed ranged from relatively small but life-changing improvements—such as grab bars, improved lighting, and smoke alarms—to larger projects like wheelchair ramps, appliance replacements, and even roof and HVAC system replacements.

Each repair is part of a comprehensive assessment designed to improve safety, accessibility, and overall housing stability.

The homeowners served reflect the populations most vulnerable to housing-related risks. Many are older adults, people living with disabilities, and households with limited incomes who face barriers to maintaining their homes on their own.

By addressing safety hazards and accessibility needs, these repairs help residents remain in place and reduce the risk of injury, displacement, or housing instability.

This work is made possible through the dedication of volunteers, partners, and supporters who contribute thousands of hours and resources each year. Together, they help ensure that critical repairs reach those who need them most.

We invite you to explore the Year One Contract Report to learn more about the repairs completed, the households served, and the community partnerships that make this work possible.

 

 

Volunteers Build a Lifeline: A Ramp That Makes Home Safe Again

The front steps of Ms. C’s mobile home in Alexandria were rotting beneath her feet. With limited mobility, she climbed them carefully, afraid of falling. Then her adult daughter moved back home after developing a serious medical condition that required frequent hospital visits and caused severe dizzy spells. Suddenly, both mother and daughter urgently needed a safer way to get in and out of their home—one that would meet their needs now and in the future.

Ms. C and her daughter called Rebuilding Together–AFF to ask whether we build wheelchair ramps. We did—and even better, we had a donated 40-foot aluminum ramp and rails in our storeroom that could work for their home. A site visit by staff and volunteers confirmed the property could accommodate an ADA-compliant ramp.

But this project was anything but simple. Because of the height of the mobile home’s front door, replacing the failing steps with a sturdy platform and new steps required a building permit. An air conditioning compressor in the yard further complicated the platform’s design.

Our staff and volunteers mobilized quickly. A new volunteer with CAD expertise created the site plan and initial drawings, while another volunteer with decades of experience navigating permits and inspections developed multiple versions of the plans for county review. Approval to use the existing concrete slab for three of the platform’s posts required a professional engineer’s load calculations. Thanks to our past board chair Scott Brideau, we secured this $1,000 analysis pro bono.

 

Additional hurdles remained. Gaining approval from Fairfax County for the twelve ramp posts to rest on footpads and pavers, rather than traditional concrete footers, required close coordination with the ramp manufacturer and ongoing communication throughout the permitting process. When the permit was approved, it marked a major milestone and a moment of celebration for our entire team.

We took full advantage of unseasonably warm days in early January. Over five workdays, volunteers dug three footers, built the platform and steps, assembled the ramp and rails, and passed county inspections for footers, framing, and final approval. In total, fifteen volunteers contributed 169 hours to make this ramp a reality. Special thanks to Bill Marshall, Marvin Greenberg, Jim Dillon, and Lou Wood for leading the design and construction and supporting our staff throughout the project.

Today, Ms. C and her daughter can safely come and go from their home with confidence. And our work isn’t finished. Once the snow melts, another Rebuilding Together–AFF team will return to repair a fallen gutter and downspout and complete additional health and safety repairs inside their home.

Ramp under construction

completed ramp

Year in Review 2025

2025 Year in Review

As we begin 2026, we’re taking a moment to look back on the progress, partnerships, and people that shaped our work throughout 2025. Our 2025 Year in Review captures the milestones we reached together and the impact made possible through the collective efforts of our community. We’re proud to share this with you—stories and data that reflect not only what we accomplished, but why it matters as we move forward.

 

 

Introducing AC Rescue: Fighting Heat with Comfort and Care

Team of AC Rescue Volunteers and StaffRebuilding Together-AFF has partnered with Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) to launch AC Rescue, a brand-new program focused on preventing heat-related illness by delivering critical cooling support to those who need it most. Darek Newby (introduced in the July newsletter) has joined our team as the Program Manager for AC Rescue and he hit the ground running.

AC Rescue serves low- and moderate-income households across Fairfax County—including mobile homes, condos, apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. The program provides portable and window AC units. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will also be installed as part of the service.

Each household will have a phone interview and then receive a personal visit to confirm their need and identify the safest, most effective solution. Because we don’t yet know how many households are living without AC, we’re starting with referrals from Fairfax County caseworkers and community partners and will expand as the program evolves. Eligible homeowners will also receive an RT Express assessment to make sure their home is safe and healthy based on our 40 standard critical repairs and modifications.

The need for cooling is both real and urgent. Last summer’s extreme heat—and the 29 days over 90 degrees we’ve already experienced this year—have shown just how dangerous it can be to live without air conditioning.

If you’re interested in joining the AC Rescue team as a volunteer, please email us at info@rebuildingtogether-aff.org or call (703) 528-1999.

Together, we can help our neighbors stay safe and cool—all summer long.

Collage of three photos of volunteers installing air conditioners.

Bill Marshall’s Impact at Rebuilding Together AFF

After retiring from a successful home-building career, Bill Marshall was eager for a new way to channel his energy and expertise. He found the perfect fit with Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church (RT-AFF) through Volunteer Arlington and quickly became a dedicated member of our Rebuilding Together Express (RT Express) program. Bill’s extensive background in construction and business management made an immediate difference and he became an active member of our Board of Directors as well as Chair of the Program Committee. During his six-year tenure on the Board, he played a vital role in shaping RT-AFF’s repair and modification initiatives.

“Bill was instrumental in leading RT-AFF’s repair program through the pandemic,” said Executive Director Patti Klein. “He worked in partnership with staff to develop a solid plan to implement COVID safety protocols, allowing a small group of our most experienced RT Express volunteers to continue making critical home repairs for those in need.”

Beyond his leadership on the board, Bill has worked on more than 120 homes, improving the lives of countless neighbors. He has also designed and led teams in building more than 15 wheelchair ramps—one of the most transformative modifications for homeowners with mobility challenges.

Bill was especially touched by a project he led in Arlington, where a team of volunteers modified a bathroom in a small home to make it fully accessible for twins with disabilities. This transformation gave them the independence to use the bathroom on their own as they grew into their teen years.

Reflecting on his service, Bill shared, “I am grateful for my time on the RT-AFF board. My experience running my own construction business and serving on other boards allowed me to contribute meaningfully. The Jesuits in high school instilled in me the belief that we should be ‘men (and women) for others,’ and I’m proud to uphold that value with this incredible organization.”

Though stepping down from the board, Bill remains deeply committed to RT-AFF’s mission. As an RT Express team leader, he’s continuing to roll up his sleeves to help homeowners in need. “It’s amazing what a small group of volunteers can accomplish in just a few hours with a few hundred dollars in materials,” he said. “I’m constantly impressed by the impact we make, the camaraderie we share, and the dedication of everyone involved.”

We are incredibly grateful for Bill’s leadership and ongoing contributions. His work continues to make a lasting difference, and we look forward to seeing him in action with our RT Express program for years to come.

 

Celebrating our 500th Rebuilding Together Express Project

Volunteers with homeowner on stepsRebuilding Together-AFF recently celebrated the completion of its 500th RT Express project, a significant milestone for a program that now makes up two-thirds of our total work. The steady need for repairs within our standard RT Express service list has not only allowed us to assist more homeowners but has also helped us build a dedicated base of individual volunteers. These volunteers contribute regularly and continually hone their skills, becoming highly proficient in delivering our most common repairs.

In 2014, we faced a pressing challenge: many homeowners in need of minor repairs and safety modifications couldn’t wait months for National Rebuilding Day or for a match with a corporate team. Recognizing the urgency, we used seed funding from The Falls Church Episcopal to develop a faster, more efficient solution. With additional support from the Northern Virginia Health Foundation, we defined, tested, and refined what became Rebuilding Together Express (RT Express)—a program designed to deliver essential health and safety repairs and accessibility modifications for people with disabilities and older people who want to age in place.

How RT Express Works:

Small teams of 4-5 volunteers dedicate 4-5 hours and about $400-$500 in materials to provide a range of approximately 40 common home modifications and repairs. These repairs are tailored to each homeowner’s needs and based on a thorough assessment of the home. RT Express enables Rebuilding Together-AFF to respond more quickly to homeowners facing urgent risks, such as falls or other safety concerns.

The Key to Success: Volunteer Team Leaders

Our volunteer team leaders are the cornerstone of RT Express. They:

  • Conduct home assessments with staff.
  • Develop realistic scopes of work.
  • Purchase materials and assemble tools.
  • Coordinate repairs while ensuring safety for both homeowners and volunteers.
  • Track project outcomes.

After years of relying on six dedicated team leaders, we expanded their ranks to 10 in early 2024, ensuring we can meet growing demand. Our Team Leaders are pictured above.

Recognition and Growth:

In 2018, RT-AFF earned the Commonwealth Council on Aging’s top statewide Best Practices Award for RT Express. Since then, we’ve expanded the program to include additional services such as installing stairlifts and building wheelchair ramps.

Our volunteers describe RT Express projects as deeply fulfilling, while the homeowners we serve express their gratitude with heartfelt hugs and words of appreciation.

Multi-year sponsorships by West Financial Services and Sandy Spring Bank have sustained RT Express and supported its steady growth. 

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2024 in Review

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible volunteers, partners, and donors for making our 2024 fiscal year a resounding success. Together, we are building safer, more affordable, and thriving communities for neighbors in need.

In FY2023, our volunteers contributed an astounding 6,200 hours to complete 117 projects, benefiting 176 individuals living in 110 homes and supporting six non-profit housing organizations. The value of this donated labor amounts to $361,800.

Remarkably, 93% of the households we assisted qualify as Very Low or Extremely Low income—families, older adults and people with disabilities who could never afford these essential repairs and modifications without your support.

We couldn’t achieve this impact without you. Take a moment to explore our Year in Review and see how your contributions—whether time, funds, or partnerships—are transforming lives and creating a lasting community impact.

Here’s to another year of meaningful change, together!


 

Volunteer installing A/C unit

RT-AFF Addresses Heat Emergency at Harmony Place

Cutting wood for A/C installationExtreme heat is a silent killer, and this was the hottest summer on record. During the heat emergency Rebuilding Together – AFF partnered with the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions and the office of Supervisor Rodney Lusk to provide relief to residents at Harmony Place Mobile Home Park. Some of the homes had insufficient cooling, and some had no A/C at all.

We started with a group of RT-AFF volunteers who have strong electrical skills. They assessed each mobile home and tested the electrical systems to ensure they were adequate and safe for running new air conditioning units. After addressing needed electrical repairs, our installation teams put in the new A/C units. During installation, we discovered other issues. In one home the floor was rotted due to the old A/C unit draining into the home. Volunteers rebuilt the floor and wall, then installed a new a/c unit to keep the home cool. Another home had an unsafe stove, so we installed a newly donated stove, allowing the family to safely cook meals. We also installed 16 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Harmony Place residents were grateful for all the work to make their homes safe and healthy.

27 volunteers gave 405 hours to install 31 A/C units in 29 homes

“As the temperatures soar once again, I’m feeling especially grateful for all of you,” wrote RT-AFF Executive Director Patti Klein in a note to the volunteers. “Your dedication to providing relief and comfort to the families at Harmony Place is truly heartwarming. In times like these, your efforts make a significant difference, ensuring that our community stays safe and comfortable. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission and for being such an essential part of the RT-AFF family.”

You can read more about the project on the Fairfax County website. Please check out the photos on our flickr too.

Volunteers installing A/C Unit Volunteers installing A/C unit Leveling the A/C bracket Volunteers install A/C unit

 

Volunteer Team with Supervisor Rodney Lusk

Dulin Team

National Rebuilding Day – ACCA and Dulin UMC Assist Hartwood Foundation

Our partners completed some amazing work on National Rebuilding Day this past April. Two teams from Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) and a team from Dulin UnitedACCA Volunteers Methodist Church collaborated with Hartwood Foundation to create outdoor spaces for their residents at three Fairfax homes. Hartwood operates residential service programs for people with developmental disabilities and they understand the ability to enjoy life is the ability that matters most. Our partners were all smiles too, enjoying National Rebuilding Day in spite of the rain and mud.

The Dulin team took on the challenge of building a deck and a storage shed at the Shreve Road group home in Falls Church. Six people with developmental disabilities reside at Shreve, which sits on a small, oddly shaped and sloped lot. The new deck significantly enhances the residents’ ability to enjoy many outdoor leisure activities like arts and crafts, and music. They are also enjoying having meals in a shaded and safe area. They absolutely love their new deck!

ACCA Team 1  painted the carport area and expanded and refurbished the deck at Southhampton which allows the residents to enjoy more outdoor space and enables them to enter and exit the home’s van under cover – sheltered from the elements. The residents recently invited friends over and cooked out on the deck and plan to enjoy many more relaxing evenings outside as the weather cools.

ACCA Team 2 built a permanent patio cover and flower planter boxes at Long Pine which makes the area much more usable for the residents. Additionally, they gave the family room, kitchen and dining rooms a fresh coat of paint. The five gentlemen who live there quickly made use of the new covered area which allows them to spend time outside in the shade – especially important during our hot summer. They celebrated by hosting a barbecue shortly after ACCA completed the work.

“The work done by Rebuilding Together helps us to meet our mission and imperatives, most especially providing our residents with excellent quality of life activities,” said CEO Sean McGinnis. “We thank you on behalf of our residents for the wonderful upgrades. Your teams were sensitive to the needs and challenges of the people we support and were incredible to work and collaborate with as always.”

ACCA painting

ACCA Team 2

Dulin volunteers setting a post. ACCA volunteers building a canopy for the deck.

Partnering with Navy Federal Credit Union to help Veterans and Neighbors in Need

As part of Rebuilding Together’s Veterans at Home program, we partnered with Navy Federal Credit Union to assist Mr. J in Arlington. Approaching his 90th birthday, Mr. J has lived in his cherished Arlington home and neighborhood for 50 years. As he aged, he became unable to manage simple repairs and maintenance. In collaboration with NFCU, volunteers rebuilt his shed door, constructed safe steps from his back deck to his driveway, installed LED lighting in his kitchen and stairway for improved visibility, raised a stair rail, and added a new one to make it safer for him to get to his basement laundry room. The team also painted both inside and outside, addressed overgrown landscaping, and more. The NFCU team, brought some skilled volunteers, who collaborated with RT-AFF volunteers on the carpentry projects. Other NFCU volunteers learned how to make safety modifications and repairs on the job, with the assistance of RT-AFF skilled volunteers.
RT-AFF has a longstanding partnership with NFCU, having worked on over 30 projects in our area, including homes, nonprofit organizations, schools, and the United Service Organization (USO) Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir which serves injured and ill soldiers and Veterans, families and caregivers (and is the largest USO in the world). We are thrilled that NFCU has joined forces with RT nationally, assisting three veteran homeowners this fall: Mr. J in Arlington, a homeowner in Dallas, and another in Atlanta. We look forward to continuing this great partnership that encourages NFCU employees to dedicate time to community service.