DUMFRIES, Va. – A Dumfries Army Veteran is getting a major home makeover today, and it’s all thanks to a powerful show of support from local businesses honoring the National Day of Service.
The folks at Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia – Arlington to Haymarket just told Potomac Local News they’ve teamed up with more than 35 other local companies—including Mosquito Joe, Five Star Painting, and Junk King—to donate over 850 volunteer hours and $15,000 in materials. Their mission: give Brenda Lauer, a proud Army Veteran who started serving in 1993, the home repairs she deserves.
Brenda’s getting 40 major improvements—from plumbing and drywall fixes to landscaping, flagstone restoration, and HVAC servicing. It’s the 15th year Mr. Handyman has led this effort, which has now delivered more than $925,000 in repairs to 15 veteran homes across the region.
“It’s about community, gratitude, and making life better for someone who gave so much,” said Jo McCabe, who owns Mr. Handyman and is a veteran herself.
Here’s the full press release:
Local Businesses Unite to Transform Veteran’s Home During National Day of Service
More than 850 volunteer hours and $15,000 in materials will give Dumfries Army Veteran a much-deserved home makeoverWASHINGTON – (Sept. 5, 2025) – On Friday, Sept. 5, a team of local businesses will come together to honor a U.S. Army Veteran with an incredible gift: a full day of home repairs, upgrades, and improvements—all at no cost.
In recognition of the 2025 National Day of Service, Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia – Arlington to Haymarket is leading the charge, partnering with other locally owned Neighborly brands—including Mosquito Joe of Northern Prince William County, Five Star Painting of Arlington, Manassas, Springfield and Woodbridge, and Junk King Fairfax—as well as 35 additional local businesses. Together, these community partners will donate over 850 volunteer hours and $15,000 in materials to completely refresh and repair the home of Brenda Lauer, a Dumfries resident and proud Army Veteran who began her service in 1993 as a Private First Class Dental Assistant.
This year marks the 15th consecutive year Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia – Arlington to Haymarket has spearheaded this initiative, which has provided more than $925,000 worth of labor and materials to repair 15 veteran homes since 2011.
For Brenda, this year’s project will mean 40 essential repairs and improvements, including plumbing and drywall fixes, light replacements, railing installation, painting, HVAC servicing, pressure washing, landscaping, fence and window repairs, and even restoring her flagstone stairs and walkway.
“It’s incredible to see so many local businesses stop everything for a day to say, ‘Thank you for your service,’ in such a meaningful way,” said Jo McCabe, owner of Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia – Arlington to Haymarket. “As a veteran myself, this day is deeply personal—it’s about community, gratitude, and making life better for someone who gave so much.”
This powerful community effort not only honors Brenda’s service but also highlights the incredible spirit of Northern Virginia businesses when they unite for a common cause.
About Mr. Handyman®
Mr. Handyman® is North America’s leading commercial and residential property maintenance, repair and improvement company. With more than 300 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, Mr. Handyman® is recognized as one of the fastest growing, handyman service franchise systems. Acquired in 2015, Mr. Handyman® is part of Neighborly®, a family of global brands focused on being remarkable with consumers and franchise owners with more than 30 brands and 5,500 franchise locations across North America and Europe serving millions of customers. For more information about Mr. Handyman®, visit MrHandyman.com. To learn about franchising opportunities with Neighborly®, click here.
Subscribe to our FREE email newsletter to get local news you can trust.
https://www.potomaclocal.com/email-subscription/
