Steve Elliott
While Steve Elliott has been involved with Habitat for Humanity East Bay for many years, he has heightened his involvement over the past several months by stepping up to lead a collaborative fundraising and volunteer effort among several churches. Although Steve is a busy man with commitments to several causes throughout the East Bay, he makes the time to regularly recruit, train, and supervise other volunteers for Habitat East Bay. This past summer, Steve approached HFHEB with a proposal to bring together United Methodist Churches throughout the East Bay to sponsor one of our rehab homes, and he has since lead the efforts of several churches to provide the funds and labor needed to fully renovate a home in Livermore. Steve generously contributes personally and inspires others to do the same. Eliza Schissel, resource development manager with Habitat East Bay, shares, “I remember the day Steve called me with his idea to unite the Methodist churches in a house sponsorship effort. I knew from that first day that I was working with a remarkably dedicated volunteer. We’ve been fortunate that Steve has brought his leadership, vision, and commitment to benefit our organization. The contributions that he has made, both personally and by rallying together his church community, have been extraordinary.” With their efforts in Livermore completed, Steve is redirecting the collaboration’s focus to our rehab homes in Bay Point.
Tell us a little bit about yourself? Besides volunteering with Habitat for Humanity East Bay what other things do you do with your time?
I took early retirement in 2001 after a 25 year career as a partner in a consulting business. Since then I volunteer 100% of my time to various activities. In addition to Habitat, my primary interests are:
Church Mission Work: I organize and lead teams on local, national and international projects. For example, I was in Salt Lake City in January helping to stage and ship relief supplies to Haiti on behalf of the United Methodist Church. I am taking a group to New Orleans in April to continue the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. This will be my sixth trip to New Orleans, plus leading two trips to Galveston to help with recovery from Hurricane Ike. Other recent mission efforts include a medical mission to Guatemala, working at a school in Tonga, and providing vacation bible school in Alaska. Later this year, I will be taking a team back to Salt Lake City to work at the Methodist Depot there. My first team to Haiti will likely be in the Fall.
Lindsay Wildlife Museum: I host school groups on tours of the Museum. I go out to schools to provide various types of wildlife programs. I also served for two years on the Raptor Team, taking care of the birds of prey in residence.
Mt. Diablo State Park: I am the docent coordinator for the Park. As such, I train new docents, do the monthly scheduling, and supervise the staffing of the docents at the visitor centers and out in the field. I host school groups at the Park on their field trips. I run the park's Junior Ranger Program for kids 7 to 12 years of age. I manage the park association's finances. My latest project is working on a team doing the renovation of the Summit Visitors Center.
How did you first get involved with Habitat East Bay?
Through my prior church where I served as Mission Coordinator. We sponsored a regular monthly team when Habitat East Bay was building the development in Livermore.
What prompted you to organize the UMC Collaboration to fundraise and build on the Livermore recycle home and the Bay Point rehab homes?
These projects fit well with my new endeavor to offer a collaborative local missions initiative for several East Bay Methodist Churches. In addition to these efforts with Habitat East Bay, we are doing work with the Contra Costa County Neighborhood Preservation Program and are working on updating a shelter in Walnut Creek.
What motivates you to continue with Habitat East Bay?
My passion for creating affordable housing for the people of our community. It is such a pressing need.
What have been your most memorable experiences?
The most recent was the “recycle” home we did for Habitat East Bay in Livermore. We worked hand in hand with the new homeowner. It was very rewarding to watch the project unfold and to see the excitement build with her and her daughter as we made progress. The most touching moment was the last day. With a hug and a tear, we said "Welcome to Your New Home."
What are your future projects or goals at HEB?
For 2010, I would like to build sustained momentum with the Methodist Group to complete several rehabs and recycles. One of the outcomes I am hoping for is that each of these churches will then sponsor a regular team for Habitat. Beyond this year, I hope to rally these churches around specific Habitat projects that they might sponsor and staff.
How does the mission and philosophy of Habitat East Bay fit in your own life values?
Habitat has a big heart. Habitat fosters teamwork to get things done in our community, making it a better place to live. I share Habitat's passion for sweat equity. It is the cornerstone of my life, investing my time and talent in ways that make a difference in our world.
If you could be a tool what would you be and why?
A paint brush. With a few strokes, I can change so much for the better, and bring color into people's lives.
What is your favorite job on the construction site?
Any finishing work...installing moulding, window treatments, cabinets, even painting... Makes the house seem like a home.
What is it like working side by side with families who are completing their sweat equity hours?
A treasured opportunity to engage face to face, life to life, with families as they invest in their own future.
How does your faith impact your service to this organization?
Working with Habitat East Bay brings my faith to life. It is in the doing, the service to others, that I see the grace of God at work.
Habitat for Humanity East Bay
