Laura Phair
Laura has been volunteering with Habitat since 2001, and has lended her expertise on our Livermore construction site every week since the project began in late 2004. Inexhaustible, Laura participated in all four days of our Earth Day Build-A-Thon, framing a house from foundations to roof trusses. What's more, Laura assists with committee work to identify land for future developments, planned a fundraising bowling tournament for Habitat, and raises awareness and support for Habitat within her company. A hard hat is just one of the many hats that Laura wears with Habitat!
How did you first get involved with Habitat for Humanity East Bay?
As far back as I can remember I have enjoyed building things. I was still very young when I decided it would be awesome to build a house. I never really expected I would be able to, but then I saw a TV special about Habitat for Humanity and immediately knew it was something I wanted to try. I had absolutely no idea if I had the necessary skills, or if a bunch of similarly unskilled people (no matter how good their intentions) could come together and successfully build houses. When I showed up that first work day in 2001 I was both surprised and impressed, and by the end of that day I was a believer. I have been volunteering ever since.
What motivates you to continue volunteering with Habitat?
When I first decided I wanted to buy a house I was only 24 years old, single, and I had only been employed full-time for a few months. I had no idea what was involved in buying a house, so I figured the best way to find out was to meet with a realtor. That turned out to be much more difficult than I had realized. Pretty much every realtor I called said they could not help me and although they did not say it directly, it was clear they felt I would be wasting their time. I even had one start laughing just before he hung up on me. Discouraged but determined I kept calling and one day Lynn Seaton answered the phone and my life was changed forever. I don’t remember her exact words, but it was something like “I have some time available this morning, can you come in and we’ll talk?” My situation was a challenge, but I had found someone who believed in my dream and wanted to help me make it happen – and we did! Volunteering with Habitat gives me the opportunity to do something I really enjoy while helping others who share my dream. Having been born and raised in Livermore, it is especially exciting to be part of the Freeda Court project because I am making a difference in my home town.
"It is such an emotional rush every time I see one of the families get their keys because I know the profound difference it is making in their lives." - Laura Phair
What has been your favoriate Habitat experience?
That is a tough one. There are so many wonderful experiences at Habitat. The Build-A-Thon was certainly one of my favorite Habitat experiences – I had a blast! Then there are the dedication ceremonies – it is such an emotional rush every time I see one of the families get their keys because I know the profound difference it is making in their lives. And of course there are the people - every age, race, religion and background. It doesn’t matter if they have years of experience or have never held a hammer before – everyone at Habitat brings something special to share and I love being part of it.
What are your plans with us in the future?
I look forward to expanding my involvement with Habitat. I recently joined the Community and Government Relations Committee in the hopes of helping bring future Habitat projects to the Tri-Valley area. It is really discouraging to see so many families move out of the area because it is just too expensive to buy a home here. So many of the people I grew up with have left the area for just that reason. I want to be part of changing that trend and I see Habitat as a way to do that. Someday I also hope to do some Global Village trips. When I travel, it’s the people I meet that leave the biggest impression on me and it would be nice to leave them with something that will positively impact their lives too.
Tell us about yourself. Besides volunteering with Habitat what else do you do with your time?
I love to travel and do so every chance I get. When I am not traveling I enjoy reading about places I plan to visit, doing home improvement projects, scrapbooking, researching my family history, and spending time with my family, friends, and pets. I recently started learning Spanish, and would like to try designing and building furniture someday.
