One of the many lessons we learned at Habitat Charlotte Region through the COVID-19 pandemic is how critically important volunteers are to our mission. Having served on the Board of Directors for nearly seven years, including time as Board Chair, I see firsthand how hard our dedicated staff works. But over the past two years, I have also seen how much harder it is for them to carry out our mission without a steady stream of volunteers.

As we adjust into our new “normal,” I am amazed by the eagerness of so many people in our community to step back into regular volunteer engagements or sign up to participate for the first time. Whether it’s the physical labor of a job site, organizing donations at the ReStore, or lending brainpower to our office staff, Habitat Charlotte Region offers something for everyone.

Quite simply, our army of volunteers is the heartbeat of the organization. There is a burden that is lifted from staff’s shoulders when more hands are on deck, but I also hear repeatedly from them about how satisfying the work is when it is being carried out alongside partners who give freely of their time. And our homeowners see it too as they know well the value of sweat equity. Working side-by-side on a jobsite, homeowners often remark about what a blessing it is to know the volunteers who are helping to make their dreams come true.

So, on behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and homeowners, I want to express my sincere gratitude for anyone who has shared their talents with Habitat Charlotte Region. We are forever thankful for the impact you make in changing lives in our community!

Alison Summerville
Habitat Charlotte Region Board Chair

Check out the video below to see just how Habitat Charlotte Region’s staff and Homeowners-in-Process feel about our volunteers!