“What you get out of volunteering is so worth it.”

Meet Stephen Gelhaus, a volunteer who regularly works with our home repair team. He began volunteering with Habitat after graduating from college to meet friends. And a couple years later, he’s comes out to build about three times a month. “I come out every weekend I can make it,” Stephen says.

Stephen was introduced to volunteering with Habitat through new construction builds and once he tried home repair he “just liked it.”

“I like volunteering with home repair because it’s smaller in size and more practical for learning skills to use on your own home,” he explains. “There’s a lot of variety, though I do enjoy both.”

What does Stephen say to volunteers interested in regularly volunteering with Habitat?

“You’ve just got to do it. It doesn’t take that much time, when you think about it. And what you get out of it is so worth it – like friendships and skills. Everyone has a good attitude. I learn cool things like using power saws and other things. I love the community here.”

In addition to learning and meeting people, Stephen connects with Habitat’s mission too: “I’m able to say I have a purpose in helping repair someone’s house.”