1. How many years have you been volunteering with Richmond Habitat?
The short answer is over 20 years, but my involvement has changed over time. In 2001, I retired after a 30-year career at a regional bank headquartered here in Richmond. I worked in technology and operations at the bank. In 2002, I attended an information session at my church led by a Habitat site supervisor who talked about volunteer opportunities with Habitat. At the meeting I met another church member who was an ardent Habitat supporter, and he invited me to join him for a workday at a build site. He volunteered every other week on a regular basis, and I began going out with him. Within a few months, I was working on my own every week. Many years ago, I added a second day each week, so I am working every Wednesday and Thursday, logging about 400 hours a year.
2. What type of volunteer roles have you had?
I have always worked on a build site, and I suppose you would say I have basically learned how to be a carpenter. I am there through all phases of a house build that involve volunteers: framing and sheathing, siding, interior rough carpentry, drywall installation, flooring, doors and interior trim work, cabinets, decks and stairs. While I have always been interested in woodworking, working with habitat has introduced me to many of the skills involved in house construction.
3. What have you enjoyed most about your volunteer experiences with Richmond Habitat?
I have to say it is the friendships that I have developed over the years on the build sites. The Habitat site supervisor and the supporting staff are great. Just as important are the volunteers that join me every week as part of the weekday crew. As volunteers, we are all out there to work hard, but we also have some fun and develop deep friendships that have lasted for years. It also turns out that lunchtime is a good time to put our heads together and solve the latest repair issue we might be working through at home.
