There’s something special about seeing neighbors, volunteers, local businesses, and community leaders all come together for a common purpose. Earlier this month, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg’s 2026 Home Repair Blitz brought that community effort to neighborhoods across Hampton and Newport News, where volunteers completed exterior repairs on 12 homes in a single day. Members of the Criner Remodeling team were proud to be part of the effort, working alongside community partners to help local homeowners remain safe and comfortable in the homes they love.
From replacing handrails and repairing porches to painting, debris removal, and other safety-related improvements, the Blitz focused on helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community, including older adults, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and low-income homeowners. Through the partnership of Habitat for Humanity, local businesses, city departments, sponsors, and volunteers, these critical repairs are made possible for a nominal fee, helping preserve both homes and neighborhoods across the Peninsula.
This year’s Home Repair Blitz brought together volunteers from across the community, including several local leaders who joined crews at job sites. Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones, Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray, Congressman Bobby Scott, and United Way of the Virginia Peninsula CEO Charvalla West were all part of the day, spending time working alongside volunteers throughout Hampton and Newport News.
For the team at Criner Remodeling, the Blitz is about more than completing repairs for the day. Supporting efforts like this has long been part of the company’s connection to the community and reflects the same values that have guided Criner for nearly 50 years.
Habitat for Humanity has been an important part of the Criner family’s story for years. Robert Criner, President and Owner, has served on Habitat for Humanity’s Advisory Board, while Paul Criner, Vice President and Co-Owner, has served as a Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg Board Member and has led Criner teams during past Remodel Blitz projects. That connection has grown into a company-wide effort centered on service, volunteerism, and using craftsmanship to help others.
In addition to participating in events like the Home Repair Blitz, Criner Remodeling regularly donates materials removed during renovation projects to local ReStores so they can be repurposed throughout the community. Team members have also volunteered time and expertise on Habitat projects over the years, including helping rehabilitate and set up the Yorktown ReStore.
For the Criner team, projects like the Home Repair Blitz are a reminder that the work goes far beyond repairs and construction. A home is where people feel secure, comfortable, and connected to the life they’ve built over the years. Sometimes even small repairs can help someone safely remain in the home and neighborhood they care about most.
Giving back has always been an important part of the culture at Criner Remodeling, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg and the work they do throughout Hampton Roads.