“One of the most powerful things we witnessed after Hurricane Helene was people coming together to help each other. Many people told me that they had never seen anything like it. But, at Habitat, we see this community come together to put love into action every day,” remarked CEO Andy Barnett. In 2024 alone, more than 43,500 hours of service was provided by 1,341 individuals.
During this week of National Volunteer Appreciation, we are expressing our gratitude to all who choose to share their time and talent with us, especially our Core volunteers who make an ongoing commitment to serve. And starting tomorrow, we’ll be featuring a different Volunteer Spotlight each day. Be sure to check back to meet some of the folks that move our mission forward.
Core volunteers (weekly or bi-weekly) are foundational to Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. Their commitment to service has helped hundreds of families build strength, stability and self-reliance on the foundation of decent and affordable housing. The impact is far-reaching and multi-generational. Cores serve in all difference capacities throughout the organization including new home construction, home repair, ReStore, deconstruction, office support, committees, and the Board of Directors.
Many are celebrating service milestones this year. Congratulations to:
25 years: Ted Faber, Dick Mantz
20 years: Cassie Dillon, Beth Robrecht, C.J. Obara, Kris Ruth, Wayne Ruth
15 years: Bruce Ammerman, Faye Brown, Sandra Dykes, Rhoda Groce, Ned Guttman, Nancy Hermann, Resa Holt, Rhonda McKenna, John Petkovich, Lee Raymond, Rosemarie Robuck, Yvonne Smith, Walt Tolley, Lou Towson, Jerry Towson (In Memoriam)
Additionally, 20 volunteers are celebrating 10 years, and another 36 met the 5 year milestone.
Also noteworthy are the volunteer with the most hours in 2024:
901 hours – Tim Kruse, Weaverville ReStore
674.5 hours – John Harvin, AVL & WVL ReStores
591.5 hours – Janis Rose, Asheville ReStore
574 hours – CJ Obara, Construction Services
560 hours – Jerry Ray, Construction Services
At the heart of our mission statement is the phrase, “brings people together,” and our volunteer program is an embodiment of that intention. Habitat is where retirees find camaraderie and purpose among ReStore customers and merchandise; where students are introduced to the construction trade and affordable housing issues; where women are empowered to provide solutions to the affordable housing crisis through our Women Build program; and where future homebuyers are prepared to become homeowners. We are grateful to each person who showed up to help, whether it was once or once a week. Thank you!
In the wake of Helene, volunteerism has become even more critical to fulfilling our mission. The road to recovery is long, and will take all of us. Learn more about volunteer opportunities and sign up here.
