Janet

Learning How a House is Put Together

Janet, an industrial designer, says, “I like to learn how things work and how they’re put together. Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark lets me learn how things are really built properly.”

After retiring, she looked for volunteer work in her community and was happy to find a local Habitat for Humanity project at 24 Burnet Street in Livingston. “I worked in Appalachia when I was in college. We did trips there to volunteer, and a bunch of the trips were with Habitat. Volunteering was a really good experience.”

“I’ve always done work on my own house. This was actually a good opportunity for me to use what I knew to help people, but also to learn other stuff. Alphonso and Rick are really good about teaching people. They’re very patient and I’ve learned a lot.”

“I have done everything from spackle, paint, trim, and all the fascia work. I also did some tiling in the shower.” Working under COVID-19 safety protocols hasn’t held her up, she reports, “The house is very open, and I’ve been working outside half the time.”

“I would definitely recommend volunteering for Habitat for Humanity to other people. Especially if you want to learn how houses are made and you want to help out.” Janet says that she began volunteering by using the volunteering calendar on Habitat of Greater Newark’s website. “I work it around my own schedule and I come when I can.”

One of the best things about working on the house at 24 Burnet Street, Janet emphasizes, has been the opportunity to meet the Partner Family. “The woman who is going to live here, Keisha, is very involved, which is great, because you get to see who’s benefiting from the work.”

After the house at 24 Burnet Street is complete, Janet plans to volunteer in Habitat of Greater Newark’s soon-to-open ReStore. “I prefer old furniture to new! I’ve always wanted to work in a ReStore!”

Interested in making an important contribution to Habitat’s mission to build homes in partnership with families in need? Our volunteering calendar has year-round opportunities for you to support Habitat of Greater Newark’s work. Learn more about volunteering with us.