|
Gary Fuller
Critical Home Repair Program/Harpswell Aging at Home Volunteer
Why did you decide to volunteer with Habitat?
"I'm fairly new to Harspwell. I was involved with Kiwanis in the past. I was talking to a neighbor who knew Mark Weaver was involved as a newer volunteer with Harspwell Aging at Home. I was very interested in becoming involved in my local community and I knew about Habitat for Humanity and that there was a connection with Harspwell Aging at Home. I reached out to Mark and he connected me with Habitat for Humanity 7 Rivers Maine. It was a perfect fit for giving me an opportunity to volunteer my time to help those in need in my immediate community.
I go out with the crew once/week, sometimes twice/week. There is great communication about projects details for the week- what the project are and what is needed- it's a very smooth process. The work day is about 8 AM until about 3 PM depending on the project."
What is your favorite part of being a volunteer?
"I love to meet the homeowner and provide concrete, tangible help. It feels good to do work that helps people be safer in their home. We do a a lot of safety modifications, like putting in lighting, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors- all to help people be safe and comfortable in their homes.
I love being part of a community of people, making friends. It's a really great network and we help each other in so many ways through sharing tips and resources. It's been great getting to know my neighbors and feeling connected when I'm out and about in the community. It's great doing concrete, tangible work that directly helps people.
Harpswell Aging at Home does so much more to help the community, doing community lunches. My wife is involved in volunteering by cooking and packaging meals- she's met so many people through her volunteer work.
I'm so glad we moved to Maine- what seems unique to Maine is this concept of neighbors helping neighbors. You don't even have to ask. I help my neighbor with snow-blowing because I want to. Someday we all help each other. I volunteer because it is the right thing to do.
We had a neighbor who wouldn't be released from rehab until a ramp was built to his home. Harspwell Aging at Home got to work quickly on this so he could return to his home. It's a very gratifying feeling to be able to help someone is such a direct way."
What advice would you give to someone who may be interested in volunteering with Habitat?
"Absolutely try it! It may be for you, it may not, but you won't know unless you try. You'll feel and see the immediate impact of your volunteer work. If you have some kind of skill set, join. Some people have skills, and some don't. It doesn't matter because you'll learn alongside other volunteers! What better way to learn than by doing.
I honestly feel that the best thing you can give is your time. Habitat and Harpswell Aging at Home are great programs- people helping people."
| 
