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Local Home Builders, NFL Players Team Together to Help Children in Crisis

"Every child and every family should have a safe, comfortable place that feels like home, whether it is temporary like here at St. Ann's, or a permanent home to call their own," said Calvin Snowden, president of the Washington, D.C. NFL Players' Association (NFLPA) former players' chapter. "It is incredibly rewarding to be able to give back to the Washington, D.C., community through a project like this."

Former Washington Redskins who are working on the project include Brig Owens (1966-1977), Spain Musgrove (1967-1969), Ken Jenkins (1985-1986), Ed Simmons (1987-1997), and Frank Grant (1972-1978). John "Boomer" Stufflebeem (Detroit Lions, 1975-1979), Al Chesley (Philadelphia Eagles, 1979-1982) and John Booty (New York Jets, 1988-1990) are also volunteering.

"This renovation will create a home-like atmosphere for hundreds of young children who temporarily don't have a place to call home and who receive care and comfort through St. Ann's Residential Program each year," said Hugh Carroll, president of HBCF.

Approximately 230 children ranging from 2 months to 12 years old who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment are provided with emergency placement and high-quality temporary care at St. Ann's each year.

"We are looking forward to having the renovation done so that the kids have a nice, clean, homey space," said Sister Mary Bader, CEO of St. Ann's. "We are so blessed that these former NFL players and home builders are committed to helping improve the lives of our little ones."

Companies that donated materials including new cabinets, countertops and flooring for the space include Mohawk Flooring and MidSouth Building Supply of Maryland. The construction value of the project is $20,000.

"Even in the face of one of the worst business climates ever for the home building industry, it is inspiring that the members of the MNCBIA are still finding ways to give back to the community with projects such as this," said Marty Mitchell, president of the MNCBIA.

This renovation is one of the first projects that is part of a new nationwide charitable outreach program of the National Association of Home Builders and the NFLPA that is bringing together local home builders' associations and former NFL players to strengthen communities by building or renovating homes for children or families in need and veterans.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: High-resolution photos are available at www.nahb.org/stanns. To get B-roll video of the project construction, contact Gwyn Donohue at 202-266-8447.]

ABOUT ST. ANN'S INFANT & MATERNITY HOME: St. Ann's has been providing emergency and ongoing care for children and families in the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area for more than 150 years. Chartered by Congress in 1863, it is the only facility of its kind in the region, serving as an invaluable tool for social agencies and a critical safety net for children in a variety of circumstances. St. Ann's currently operates three residential programs and a community day care center and serves more than 300 young people each year. www.stanns.org

ABOUT HOME BUILDERS CARE: Founded in 1984, HBCF is a nonprofit charitable construction program affiliated with the Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association (MNCBIA) a local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Their mission is to complete construction projects by utilizing the building industry's specialized skills and by working collaboratively with existing community service and care providers serving the homeless and other at-risk families and individuals. www.hbcf.org

ABOUT NAHB: The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 160,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. Known as "the voice of the housing industry," NAHB is affiliated with more than 800 state and local home builder associations around the country. NAHB's builder members construct about 80 percent of the new housing units built in the United States each year. www.NAHB.org

ABOUT THE NFLPA: The NFL Players Association is the exclusive collective bargaining agent for all players employed by clubs of the National Football League. Founded in 1956, the NFLPA works to ensure that the rights and interests of NFL players are protected. In addition, the NFLPA strives to be a valuable resource and to maximize player opportunities on and off the field through membership programs and community activities. www.NFLPlayers.com

Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association (MNCBIA)
Patti Kane, 240-375-5395
pkane@mncbia.org
www.hbcf.org