Rick Jarrett
“You can’t stop Rick,” Habitat’s Donor Development Officer Sue Howell recounts enthusiastically. “His successes make him want to do more and more and more.” When more donations of materials were needed, Rick stepped up and filled the role as a volunteer. He remains committed to seeking donations of building materials or tracking down the most competitive deals, motivated by the joy he feels knowing he is making a difference. The extra materials Rick brings in allow us to build more houses and serve more families, and for that we are truly grateful. Thank you Rick, and keep up the great work.
What motivates you to volunteer with Habitat?
I went with our church group to the Antioch worksite for several Saturday work sessions and liked what I saw. Since I have time each day to spend time on the phone, I offered to try obtaining donations of materials and “good deals” on purchased materials. The next day Mt. Diablo Habitat did not have a purchasing agent so I was asked to do it. Some fifteen months later I have had some fun, learned a lot about building houses, and saved Habitat a bundle.
So, in answer to the question, what motivates my volunteerism? First, it is the desire to help out a worthy cause and give some of my own time to accomplish that goal. Second, I have experienced the feelings you get from giving, and I have learned you cannot experience that any other way. Finally, I like it!
How does the mission and philosophy of Habitat East Bay fit in your own life values?
We all want to help those in need; I guess I am no different than anyone else in that respect. I like the idea that Habitat for Humanity is faith-based as well.
What are your plans with us in the future?
I want to help Habitat East Bay accomplish its goal of building 40 homes per year. The more we can save on building materials, the more homes we can build!
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Besides volunteering with Habitat East Bay, what other things do you do with your time? The primary reason I have time to volunteer with HFH is that I am at home on my computer most mornings trading the markets. This gives me time to use the telephone to find those deals. I also like to play golf when the occasion presents itself.
Tell us a funny Habitat story.
Last year I was at the Antioch worksite and was leaving on one of my trips to Home Depot. While backing up my truck I heard a strange sound. the truck went up in the air and down quickly and all was quiet once again. No problem. I put the truck into drive and started to move forward. Oops, the truck would not move! I got out to see what the problem was. There were Sam Charles and Mike Colon (construction manager and house leader) laughing because all that “up and down” action was me backing up over a large role of carpeting. It took the strong pushing of three or four volunteers to get my truck off the carpeting and me on my way. It was then that I decided buying materials on the telephone was a better way for me to volunteer my time!
