HomeAid’s 2021 Award Winners
Joy Dyess, 2021 HomeAid Atlanta Volunteer of the Year
2021 HomeAid Atlanta Award Presentations
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, nonprofit organization HomeAid Atlanta helps people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement, and education. HomeAid announced its 2021 Award Winners at the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA) and Atlanta Sales and Marketing Council Holiday Party and Silent Auction on December 1 at Atlanta Athletic Club, which raised $12,000 to help further HomeAid’s mission. The awardees demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the work of HomeAid in 2021:
2021 Volunteer of the Year – Joy Dyess, Bank South Mortgage
Over the course of the year, Joy gave her time volunteering at several HomeAid Care Days, which provide free facility maintenance, upgrades, and repairs for organizations that provide housing and services for families and individuals experiencing homelessness. Joy also helped pack 1,000 HomeAid CareKits, hygiene kits that make a big impact for people experiencing homelessness, meeting immediate hunger and hygiene needs. Additionally, Joy secured her company’s support for HomeAid Atlanta’s 19th Annual Hope & Homes Golf Tournament. She also helped lead efforts on the Thanks for Giving Drive, a fundraising drive to create Thanksgiving food baskets for families transitioning out of homelessness. In addition to volunteering, Joy recruited volunteers from her company, BankSouth Mortgage, as well as members of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s Young Professionals Group and the Board of Mortgage Bankers Associations of Georgia’s Lend-a-Hand Committee, where she serves as Chair.
2021 Trade Partner of the Year – R.S. Andrews
R.S. Andrews was integral to HomeAid Atlanta’s project to replace and repair plumbing in 16 apartment units at The Drake House, which provides emergency and transitional housing for mothers and children in north Fulton County. Nesha Mason, The Drake House Executive Director said, “Last year we had a breach in our pipes and our insurance company told us they would no longer insure us with the cast iron pipes. Just in time, along came HomeAid and R.S. Andrews. We are grateful to these two organizations; we would not have been able to continue our mission without them.”
“RS Andrews has always had a firm stance on giving back to the community,” said Brad Luckey, R.S Andrews Plumbing Manager. “Everyone who worked on this project appreciated being a part of it and felt a huge sense of accomplishment.”
2021 Builder of the Year – Lennar
Lennar provided leadership and expertise for HomeAid Atlanta’s renovation and restoration project at The Drake House. In addition to overseeing the plumbing repair, Lennar led renovations on kitchens and bathrooms, interior paint, flooring, and new electrical in the 16 apartment units. Thanks to the hard work and generosity of Lennar and their trade partners, the project valued at $400,000 will cost significantly less for The Drake House. Tom Bowers, Lennar Vice President of Operations said, “On behalf of the Lennar Atlanta Divisions, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to work for such an amazing cause, on such a special project. I truly enjoyed working with HomeAid and The Drake House over the last eight months to deliver these amazing homes for deserving families.”
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. Celebrating its 20th year of service in 2021, HomeAid has completed over 150 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 Homebuilders Association. Learn more at www.homeaidatlanta.org.