Habitat for Humanity East Bay

Jim Bever

Our Contra Costa rehab efforts through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program have been in bloom since February. The homes we are rehabilitating through this program have gotten off to a successful start through the efforts of a strong team of regular volunteers headed by long-time supporter Jim Bever.  "Jim has been an invaluable member of the rehab team as a crew leader at both the Riverside Drive and Pamela Drive properties," notes Troy Leiss, HEB's rehab manager for Contra Costa County. "His ability to recruit and manage a core group of dedicated volunteers has been a great asset to the HEB rehab efforts in Contra Costa County." Jim's dedication to our mission has been invaluable to our efforts to re-energize our Contra Costa building program. Read more about Jim below!

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Besides volunteering with Habitat East Bay, what other things do you do with your time?

 I'm a retired nuclear engineer. I worked over 30 years for the nuclear navy at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. I currently golf a couple of days a week, volunteer for Habitat at least two days a week, and do volunteer work for my Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of San Francisco. My wife and I try and make one international trip a year with Habitat International. Our next trip is to Nepal this fall for a one week build.

 

How did you first get involved with Habitat East Bay?

I started working for the Mt. Diablo Habitat affiliate shortly after I retired in 1996 and have tried to work some each week, as long as there was work out our way. I have worked some on the projects in Oakland.

 

What is your current role and level of involvement with us?

I am just a nail pounder like most volunteers. I do try and keep people working in Bay Point appraised of what work we have going on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

What motivates you to continue with Habitat East Bay?

The people we get to work with and the camaraderie of all involved keep me coming back each week.

 

Why do you make volunteering for Habitat East Bay a priority?

I think that people that are fortunate enough need to give back to those that are less fortunate. We need to do more to help our fellow man.

 

What have been your most memorable experiences?

Dedication of houses is a very moving experience. I was also lucky enough to be working one day on a house in Pittsburg with a student. She was very particular about what I was doing. I asked if it was her room and with a big smile she said yes. I tried to do a better job.

 

What are your future projects or goals at HEB?

To keep working a couple of days a week, as long as I am able.

 

How does the mission and philosophy of HEB fit in your own life values?

The mission and philosophy of Habitat matches mine. That is why I keep working for Habitat.

 

If you could be a tool what would you be and why?

I would be a hammer. If you are pounding nails you can usually see some progress at the end of the day.

 

What is your favorite job on the construction site?

I like doing almost any job that I am asked to do. I am not a big fan of painting but will do it.

 

What is it like working with construction staff?

 I enjoy being able to discuss construction options with the staff. Some of the staff may think that I am a little too vocal, but that is just me.

 

What is it like working side by side with families who are completing their sweat equity hours?

It is great to have them there and helping. They need to show that they will have some responsibility to keep their house and to have put in effort to build it.  

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