Greetings!

National Rebuilding Day (NRD) preparations are well underway for Saturday, April 25, and across Arlington, Fairfax, and Falls Church, the momentum is building. Our team has been hard at work coordinating with partners, volunteers, homeowners, and nonprofit housing organizations to ensure every project is set up for a successful and impactful day.

This year, our partners will complete critical repairs and safety modifications at 11 homes and nonprofit housing facilities, and our dedicated year-round volunteers will step up to support additional homeowners in need on NRD. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together in a single day—and the lasting impact it creates in our community.

That spirit of collaboration and care is reflected in the stories we’re sharing this month. You’ll read about Ms. S, whose request for help with a single air conditioner grew into a comprehensive effort to restore a safe, healthy, and comfortable home—demonstrating how our programs work together to meet urgent needs and create lasting change. We’re also excited to share updates from our team, including Darek Newby becoming Director of Program Coordination and the addition of Dante Calfayan as our new Program Manager, strengthening our ability to serve even more neighbors.

This issue also highlights the broader community that makes our work possible. We’re grateful to the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for their investment in our mission, and proud to celebrate Scott Brideau, whose leadership and service have been recognized with the Bernie L. Bates Foundation’s highest honor. And in our ongoing Team Leader Profiles series, we’re pleased to introduce Lander Allin, whose decades of civic leadership now translate into hands-on impact for homeowners across our region.

As we look ahead to National Rebuilding Day and the months beyond, we are reminded that this work is only possible because of you—our volunteers, partners, donors, and advocates. Thank you for helping us create safer, healthier homes and stronger communities for our neighbors.

#WeAreRebuilders

Last August, a referral from Fairfax County’s Senior Cool Care program led us to Ms. S, an extremely low income condo owner facing the peak of summer without air conditioning. Although she had received a portable AC unit through Cool Care, she wasn’t able to install it on her own. That’s when our AC Rescue team stepped in.

When our AC Rescue team arrived, what began as a simple cooling fix quickly revealed a much larger need. Not only was the AC unit not in use, but nearly half of the condo’s electrical outlets weren’t working. After some careful troubleshooting, our team discovered tripped breakers and restored power that same day—bringing immediate relief as we installed the portable AC and cooled the home for the first time in months.

But the challenges didn’t stop there.

At the same time, other serious issues were impossible to miss. The condo had sustained significant damage from a water leak in the unit above—leaving holes in the ceilings, missing baseboards, and carpeting pulled up in an attempt to dry it out. It was clear Ms. S needed more than a quick AC unit install; she needed a safe and healthy home.

Read the full story on our blog

We’re excited to share that, following Jon Armstrong’s retirement, Darek Newby has expanded his role by accepting the position of Director of Program Coordination. At the same time, we’re pleased to welcome Dante Calfayan to the team as our new Program Manager. Dante will be working on our AC Rescue and Home Repair Programs.

We are honored to share that we have been selected as a 2026 Community Investment Fund grantee of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. This support will help us advance our mission to help older adults with limited income live safely in their own homes.

This grant will allow us to strengthen our RT Express program and reach more homeowners. We’re grateful for the Foundation’s investment in our work and in the future of our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Community Foundation for believing in our mission and partnering with us to make more possible for Northern Virginia..

Congratulations to Scott Brideau, immediate Past Chair of our board, on receiving both a Privilege Award and the President’s Award—the highest honor from the Bernie L Bates Foundation.

These awards recognize extraordinary service to Fairfax County through time, talent, and leadership—honoring individuals who embody the values practiced by the late Col. Marion “Barney” Barnwell, USA (Ret.), a former RTAFF board member and pillar of the Fairfax community.

Col. Barnwell was a dedicated community activist with a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and a strong “pay it forward” philosophy. His passion for helping others, paired with his humble and dependable leadership, inspired those around him and set a lasting standard for service.

Scott exemplifies these same qualities—strengthening our community, expanding opportunity, and lifting others through his continued commitment and action.

We’re proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and grateful for the impact Scott continues to make. Pictured are Mayor Catherine S. Read, City of Fairfax, Scott Brideau, and Marvin Chisholm, President of the Bernie L. Bates Foundation.

From Urban Planning to Safe Homes, Making a Lifelong Commitment to Community

Arlington’s vibrant neighborhoods, strong schools, and thriving corridors don’t happen by accident—they’re shaped by dedicated community leaders like Lander Allin. The fifth profile in our series highlighting RT Express Team Leaders, Lander’s story reflects decades of civic engagement and professional expertise devoted to strengthening Northern Virginia. From leading neighborhood and county-wide initiatives to helping guide school planning and revitalization efforts along Columbia Pike, his life has been defined by a deep commitment to building better communities.

Today, Lander brings that same dedication to his role as a volunteer Team Leader with Rebuilding Together-AFF. Since retiring, he has applied his professional background, community work and hands-on construction skills to help neighbors live in safer, healthier homes—leading repair projects, coordinating volunteers, and making a direct, tangible impact. Whether restoring critical home conditions or helping a resident regain independence, Lander’s work exemplifies the vital role our volunteer leaders play in advancing our mission.

Read more about Lander's journey and impact on our blog.

If you had to choose, would you pay for a medicine or pay for a plumber? Would you feed the family or fix your leaky gutters? These are choices our low-income neighbors have to make every day. We can help make these choices easier together. Please contribute today so Rebuilding Together -AFF can continue to provide free home repairs and modifications for our neighbors in need.

Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church

Phone 703.528.1999

info@rebuildingtogether-aff.org | www.rebuildingtogether-aff.org