Volunteering

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we interviewed volunteer family Faith and Ken Hyer to find out what they enjoyed most about volunteering with Habitat Wake. Ken is Faith's uncle and they've been involved with builds for several years. Here's what they had to say:

Habitat Wake is thrilled to take a look back at fond memories of working with St. Augustine's University, one of the nation's longest-standing Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) as part of our #FoundingFriday series.

They are an esteemed ally in affordable housing, and our partnership with them remains active through our Episcopal Build. 

Name: Gretta Nance    

Title/Company: Brand Director of Amelia Aesthetics and Habitat Wake 2020 Women Build Chair

Best known for / fun facts:

This blog was guest written by Habitat Wake volunteer, Diane Steinbeiser.

“Start by doing what is necessary

Then do what is possible;

and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

During a weather emergency, where you live and the condition of your home is critical.

Even though it quickly downgraded, Hurricane Florence has deeply affected the coasts of North and South Carolina and is hitting communities hard. Widespread flooding, debris, loss of power, and downed trees threatened homes, livelihood, and well being.

Agnes Penny, who recently retired from Cardinal Gibbons High School after 24 years of service, is responsible for cultivating thousands of teen-aged Habitat volunteers. As the school’s director of outreach, she connected students with opportunities to serve in the community. Every Cardinal Gibbons senior -- an average of 350 every year -- volunteers on Habitat Wake’s build site.

And after 24 years with the school, Penny exclaims, “That’s a lot of children!”  

“The importance of safe, affordable housing for families prompts a recurring question,” says volunteer Bennie Collins. “How can we make a difference where we live?”

Each year, more than 13,000 individuals volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County to give back to the community and make a difference. Some of these volunteers walk away with much more than they gave -- like a new sweetheart. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, three couples who met at Habitat for Humanity share their love story.

David and Lisa Rochette

Terry and Kathie Vermouth began volunteering with Habitat Wake almost a year ago, but their work with Habitat for Humanity goes back 10 years. The Vermouths were introduced to Habitat Wake by their daughter-in-law, who worked for Habitat for Humanity International. Originally from Massachusetts, Terry and Kathie work as House Leaders on construction sites four to five days out of the week. “Things are a lot different here than they were in Massachusetts,” recalls Kathie. “We had to shovel snow before we could build a house.”