Jeffrey Kessel
East Bay Habitat would like to thank Jeffrey, this month's featured volunteer! Jeff has volunteered on the jobsite for nine years, and this recognition has been a long time coming. In addition to spending Saturday after Saturday with us, at the 105th, 82nd, Crocket, Fruitvale, and West Oakland developments, Jeff recently became a family liaison, assisting Hagos Gaim and Saba Woldettensae and their children as they partner with EBH to become future homeowners at West Oakland. We owe Jeff nine years of extreme gratitude and great thanks.
What brought you to East Bay Habitat, and when?
I had done a lot of carpentry and building previously, and went to the 105th Ave site out of curiosity in 1995. I quickly became hooked, and have volunteered more or less regularly since then.
Describe your involvement with Habitat.
I've always enjoyed working on-site. Recently I have become a family
liaison for a family who will be moving into Palm Court. This involves
helping guide them through the pre-ownership process--as they contribute required sweat equity, participate in color and finish selection, etc.
What motivates you to continue to volunteer with Habitat?
I enjoy learning how buildings are put together, working with good people, and seeing the joyful families receive the keys to their homes. I also love to see houses being built by relatively inexperienced people. I appreciate the lack of prejudice against female workers on the jobsite, which I believe is unique in the construction industry. And best of all, I can turn up the radio louder at Habitat than when I'm at home!
What do you do when you're not at Habitat?
I'm soon to retire after 18 years with Facilities Management at UC Berkeley, managing projects to renovate aging campus buildings. A lot
of my effort has been in the areas of energy conservation and lighting. I enjoy cycling in the Oakland/Berkeley hills, and also take cabinet-making classes at Laney College.
If you could be any tool on the construction site what tool would you be?
It's a tossup between a rickety wooden step-ladder and a nail gun missing its safety.
What is your favorite job on site?
I enjoy framing because seeing the skeleton of a house rapidly emerge
gives a satisfying illusion of quick progress.
