Habitat volunteer Paula (right) serving in one of her many volunteer roles as a Women Build 2025 committee member.
When Paula steps onto a Habitat Metro Denver project site, she comes with a clear mindset: “Find a problem, fix it, address it,” she said. “That’s the operations mindset for me…how do we make this better?”
Whether she’s picking up a tool or welcoming first-time volunteers, Paula approaches each day with the mission-driven mindset shaped by her father, a contractor and Marine, who instilled both the skills and the attitude that still guide her today.
That mission-driven foundation fuels Paula’s deep involvement with Habitat Metro Denver—which includes nearly 800 hours of service as a Core Volunteer, her leadership on the Women Build Committee, and her commitment as a monthly donor.
Paula first got involved with Habitat for Humanity in Minnesota through team builds at work. At the time, she was raising three children as a single mom and couldn’t always contribute financially, so she gave what she could: her time. “That was the resource I had to offer,” she said.
What began as a way to give back quickly became something Paula genuinely loved. When she later moved to Colorado, Habitat Metro Denver was a natural place to reconnect with that sense of purpose while building relationships in a new community. “Habitat was familiar, and I love what Habitat does,” she said.
Paula became a consistent presence, sometimes volunteering every weekend. As a Core Volunteer, she helps guide other volunteers, supports site supervisors, and makes construction feel approachable for first-time participants—especially women. “You’re never going to find a friendlier site to learn how to use power tools,” she said. “While volunteering, you meet some of the best people to work alongside and, over time, sometimes call friends. If you want to meet good people, try volunteering—it takes heart to show up regularly.”
For Paula, the most meaningful part of volunteering is seeing the impact unfold alongside the people she serves with, and the families Habitat supports.
“I feel like we do better in the world when people get involved. Pick up a shovel, pick up a hammer, and learn how to do something—but invest in your community and in the people around you. It makes you a better human, and the world a better place,” she said.
As her life changed, Paula found new ways to expand her support. With her children grown and her financial responsibilities eased, she decided to begin a monthly gift after attending Habitat’s annual Breakfast for Humanity fundraiser.
Her monthly giving does not replace her time on site—it extends her impact. Because she sees Habitat’s work up close, she knows how steady support can help create lasting stability for families. “Having a safe, clean, and steady place to live can make a difference generationally,” she said.
Paula’s time and giving come together most clearly through Women Build. As a committee member, she helps champion one of Habitat Metro Denver’s most empowering annual events. Each September, women from across the community come together for Women Build Week—an event that is part build day, part fundraiser, and fully focused on creating stability and opportunity for homeowners in Metro Denver.
For Paula and the other participants, the impact is immediate and visible. “It’s fun to see women surprise themselves and say, ‘Okay, now what can I do next?’” she said. “I love to empower women.”
Her monthly giving directly supports Women Build, connecting her financial contribution to a program she knows firsthand and believes in deeply.
Paula’s journey reflects a deepening commitment—starting with time, growing into leadership, and expanding into monthly giving that sustains the work she cares about.
“I think it goes back to the fundamental idea of getting involved in something,” she said. “Because we are the ones who make our community what it is.”
Paula’s story began with something as simple as showing up. Today, her impact continues to grow through monthly giving. For volunteers looking to take the next step, recurring support is another meaningful way to help families build stability across Metro Denver.
As Paula said, “Let’s get busy and make the world a better place.”
