Source: Houston Chronicle

Even though the Astros are back on the ball field, the fans who love them are watching remotely. This fact impacts thousands who rely on the organization. HomeAid Houston, a 501(c)(3) charity of the Greater Houston Builders Association, is one of those affected by the current situation.

HomeAid has partnered with the Astros and the Astros Charitable Foundation for the last 14 years to raise valuable funds through ticket sales of their annual fundraiser Project Playhouse. These funds ensure HomeAid will continue their mission “to build new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach.” These elaborate playhouses have been on display in late summer during Astros home stands.

This year, HomeAid partnered with First America Homes, the home building division of The Signorelli Co., to build the space-themed Mission Control playhouse.

The playhouse is designed in size to meet the standard Houston community deed restrictions and is also modular to make it easy to transport and install. Mission Control, features an operable Dutch-style spaceship door, a detachable slide, a flat-screen TV, a gaming system and gaming chairs that appeal to children and adults of all ages. Due to the current COVID 19 restrictions, Mission Control will be docking at a number of high-traffic locations within the community instead of the ballpark.

“It is an honor to work with the Astros and the Astros Charitable Foundation every year on this fun way to raise awareness and funds,” said Carole Brady, executive director of HomeAid Houston. “The current restrictions are challenging but they haven’t deterred the heart and spirit of the playhouse team. We thank the First America crew and all of the generous sponsors who have stepped up during an unprecedented time to ensure Mission Control raises valuable funds that will build hope in our community.”

The Mission Control team, led by Dave Barnhart, division president, home building division includes Danny Signorelli, CEO; Ramiro Gonzalez, vice president of sales, home building division; Kris Moreno, director of construction, home building division ; Kristen Rinewalt, purchasing manager, home building division ; Siedah Chaney, purchasing coordinator, home building division; Sandra Ferguson, marketing director, the Signorelli Company; Angelina Naspretto, marketing manager, home building division; and Codi Bishop, junior graphic designer, home building division.

Playhouse sponsors include:

  Hall of Fame: Satterfield & Pontikes Construction and Taylor Morrison/Darling Homes; Grand Slam: Toll Brothers;

  Home Run sponsors: Builders Post-Tension, David Weekley Homes, First American Title Homebuilder Services, ISC Building Materials, MC Surfaces, M I Homes, Newland, Rock Materials and Trendmaker Homes;

  All Star sponsors: Allpoints Surveying, Andrade Concrete & Construction, Arrow Glass Industries, Cervelle Homes, Corey Construction, Eric l. Davis Engineering, Meta Planning + Design LLC, and Wisenbaker Builder Services.

  In-kind donors: Adventure Playground Systems, BMC, Houston Sign Co., Houston Chronicle, IES Residential and Radical Galaxy.

“On behalf of the entire First America Homes and Signorelli Company team, we are truly honored to have been selected as the builder lead for Project Playhouse this year,” said Barnhart. “It has been a rewarding experience to work on this year’s space-themed design which I can say objectively is ‘out of this world’ with its detailing and amenities. We are looking forward to docking it later this summer.”

Since 2003, HomeAid Houston, a charity of the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA), has been building transitional shelters for nonprofit agencies that provide services and support to men, women, children and Veterans facing homelessness.

For more information about HomeAid Houston, visit www.homeaidhouston.org or call 281-970-8970.