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HBCF

The official charity of the Maryland Building Industry Association Need help now? Crisis resources →

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Builders with
a mission.

The mission of the Home Builders Care Foundation is to give back by putting the skills and resources of building industry members to work on shelter-related construction for the homeless and others at risk.

EST. 1983 AS OPERATION TOM SAWYER  ·  A 501(c)(3) NONPROFIT  ·  SERVING MARYLAND & WASHINGTON DC

Who we are

Cost-effective construction, donated for good

The Home Builders Care Foundation is a nonprofit that provides cost-effective solutions to other nonprofits with shelter-related construction needs. With each project, we invest in our partner organizations through in-kind contributions of construction services and materials.

Those partners, in turn, reinvest the savings into expanding the social services that keep vulnerable populations safely housed and on a path to stability. From modest renovations to major builds, every donated dollar of labor and material is a dollar our partners can put back into their mission.

Everyone deserves the dignity of a home.
Robert L. Mitchell · Founder
1983
First Operation Tom Sawyer project
$25M+
In-kind materials & labor donated
2×
Estimated total project value
MD + DC
Communities we serve

Our story

From Operation Tom Sawyer to today

HBCF began as the charitable arm of what was then the Suburban Maryland Building Industry Association, founded on a simple belief: home builders have a responsibility to serve the growing communities and families around them.

Early 1980s

Operation Tom Sawyer begins

Founder Robert L. Mitchell launches Operation Tom Sawyer as the charitable arm of the Suburban Maryland Building Industry Association, believing every home should be part of a thriving community.

May 21, 1983

The first official project

The very first OTS project takes place at the Muncaster Youth Home in Montgomery County, Maryland.

July 2, 1984

Articles of Incorporation filed

The OTS Foundation files its Articles of Incorporation in the State of Maryland, formalizing the organization.

Aug 19, 1985

Tax-exempt status obtained

OTS secures 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and is later re-branded as the Home Builders Care Foundation.

Sept 1, 2014

Merger with the Building Industries Foundation

The Home Builders Care Foundation merger with the Building Industries Foundation becomes official, broadening our reach and resources.

Today

More than $25 million given back

Since our inception, HBCF has made in-kind contributions of more than $25,000,000 in materials and labor to projects assisting the homeless and others at risk. The total value of those projects is estimated at more than double that amount.

Where we work

Serving Maryland & Washington DC

HBCF partners with nonprofits across most of Maryland and the District of Columbia, spanning 14 Maryland counties and the greater DC region.

Anne Arundel Baltimore Calvert Carroll Cecil Charles Frederick Harford Howard Montgomery Prince George's St. Mary's Eastern Shore Washington DC

Learn more

Explore About HBCF

01 — Program

How Our Program Works

From a nonprofit's first request through board review, scoping, and the build itself.

See the process → 02 — History

40 Years Strong

Four decades of builders giving back, and the milestones that shaped the foundation.

Our history → 03 — People

Leadership

The board and volunteers who guide HBCF and steward every project.

Meet the team → 04 — Accountability

Our Seal of Excellence

Accredited under the Standards for Excellence for nonprofit governance and integrity.

Why it matters → 05 — Our Home

Maryland Center for Housing

The home base we share with the building industry in Fulton, Maryland.

Visit our home → 06 — Impact

Featured Projects

See the shelters, homes, and centers built and renovated across the region.

View projects →

Join us

Be part of Builders Giving Back

Whether your nonprofit needs construction help or your company wants to give its skills back to the community, there's a place for you here.

Request project assistance Get involved