When Ricky retired from a long career as a bricklayer, he set his sights on a new project: transforming the fixer-upper he had purchased into the home of his dreams. But tackling extensive repairs required skills beyond his expertise. That’s how Ricky found himself at Habitat Wake’s Old Poole construction site—a place where he’s become a familiar face over the past few months.
"I already knew bricklaying—I’m real good with that," Ricky shared. "But I needed carpentry skills for a lot of the work at my house. When I came out to the Habitat site, they told me, ‘You can handle that—you just need to practice.’ And I picked up on a lot really quick. Now I’m working on the eaves, siding, and drywall on my own house."
Ricky came for the skills, but he stayed for something deeper. A man of faith, Ricky saw his time at Habitat Wake as a way to connect with his community and live out his beliefs.
"I guarantee you’ll feel lighter when you leave," he said when asked what other volunteers can expect on-site. "I know God is working here."
For Ricky, the experience has been a blend of giving and receiving. While he’s contributed his own expertise to building homes for others, he’s also learned new skills that empower him to make improvements in his own life.
"People come out with no skills and walk away knowing how to measure or cut," he said. "You’ll learn something for sure."
At Habitat Wake, volunteers are foundational to our work. Their hands-on support helps us build homes, but their stories remind us of the reciprocal impact of volunteering. For Ricky, that impact is tangible—tools and skills for his own home—and spiritual, as he finds faith in action through meaningful connections.
When you volunteer with Habitat Wake, you’re not just helping to build homes—you’re building a stronger community, creating new relationships, and discovering how much you can gain by giving back.
Explore volunteer opportunities here: https://www.habitatwake.org/volunteer