Elderly Mayfield homeowners had smiles on their faces this past Saturday as they were the beneficiaries of free home restoration, courtesy of the 516 Project, a Christian construction ministry based in Fredericksburg.
Coffee, donuts, orange juice, and apple cider were provided at the Mayfield Civic Association building from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. From there, two teams of 10 volunteers set out across different parts of the neighborhood to begin restoring homes.
Volunteers cleaned vines off homes, cleared gutters of debris, refaced decks with new boards, repaired fences and installed new trim around exterior doors. Sidewalks and siding sparkled after being cleaned by Shane’s Pristine PowerWash.
Most of the volunteers who assisted with restoration efforts were either current or former Mayfield residents. At noon, everyone gathered for lunch provided by The Bridge Church of Spotsylvania. After six hours of home improvements, the event wrapped up at 3 p.m.
James Roberson, president of the 516 Project, said he was ecstatic about being part of the restoration for Mayfield’s senior citizens. In total, the 516 Project plans to repair 10 homes in the community over the next few weeks.
“The cooperation between the 516 Project, Mayfield Civic Association, NAACP Fredericksburg Branch, and Mary Washington Healthcare was crucial to making the impact needed in Mayfield,” Roberson said.
Project 516 manager Ryan Elliott first learned about the Mayfield Restoration Serve Day six months ago at a civic association meeting.
“We came out and assessed the properties we received applications on,” Elliott said. “We want to help as many people as we can.”
Roberson and Elliott both pointed to the 516 Project’s motto, “Building Access to Hope.”
“We’re here for those who need help with their homes. We want the homeowners in Mayfield to know we care, and everyone deserves a safe home,” Roberson said.
Jarret Bailey, son of Etta Bailey, stood outside his 90-year-old mother’s home as the front deck was being repaired and safety bars were installed in the restrooms.
“Senior citizens really need help, and we’re grateful [for Project 516]” Jarrett said.
Mayfield resident Tim Catlett was similarly thankful for the repairs made to his home, calling the work “a blessing in more ways than one.”
Mayfield native Xavier Richardson, who grew up in the neighborhood, helped assemble the partnerships needed to lead this project. Richardson, who is the Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer of Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC), also serves as the liaison between Mayfield and the NAACP Fredericksburg Branch.
Richardson relies on community assessments and health improvement plans in both his personal and professional life. He has been part of the MWHC executive team since 1997, overseeing fundraising, community engagement, philanthropy, and legislative affairs.
Richardson also assisted in securing a grant for the 516 Project through the Joe and Mary Wilson Benefit Fund in affiliation with MWHC.
“I still walk Mayfield daily to get my steps in for my health,” said Richardson, “and it allows me to connect with the community, former students I’ve mentored, and the people who have supported me over the years.”
Richardson hopes to continue building partnerships to ensure that residents won’t lose their homes. Mayfield residents can look forward to more homes being restored in the spring of 2025, he added.
“The NAACP Fredericksburg Branch has been instrumental with housing, education, health, and other areas of well-being. They have committees that address these needs,” he said.
Xavier Richardson chats with NAACP Fredericksburg Branch Chair of Housing Committee Mary Parnell shortly after restoration efforts began. (Photo by Jamar Billingsley)
Trudy Smith Wilson, president of the Mayfield Civic Association said that she’s been working with Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation to bring more activities for the youth. Recently, the civic association raised $10,000 toward the possible purchase of a parking lot on Glover Street that would be used for community events.
Mary Parnell, Chair of the Housing Committee for the Fredericksburg NAACP Branch, emphasized the importance of advocating for communities of color.
“We’re doing all we can for Mayfield. We’re even working on the gas pipeline situation and have some health workshops coming soon,” Parnell said.
Xavier Richardson is a member of the Free Press board. Board members do not influence newsroom operations.
