Habitat for Humanity East Bay

Gary Addiego

“Gary brings a lot of great things with him to volunteering, not the least of which is being a natural teacher. (He was the middle school teacher for Dave Sylvester, Habitat East Bay’s former Director of Construction!) We've come to depend upon and cherish Gary’s combination of friendliness, patience, and wisdom. Thank you, Gary!"
- Ben Grubb, Site Superintendent

Tell us a little bit about yourself? What’s your day job? Besides work and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity East Bay, what other things do you do with your time?
I was born in San Francisco and worked in public education for 35 years, first as a middle school teacher and then as a middle school principal (29 years).  I married wife Joy after meeting her at my first school district.  My son Christopher is married to Teefi and they just had their first child, our first grandson, Gavin.  My daughter Melanie is married to Darren and they have two daughters, Denali (5) and Dakota (3).   I retired with Joy 4 years ago. I still have a part-time job at the CSU East Bay Department of Educational Leadership as an advisor for students working on their administrative credential.  I enjoy traveling with Joy and playing golf. Joy and I love spending time with our children and grandchildren and attending Cal football and San Francisco Giants games.

How did you first get involved with Habitat East Bay?
I knew before I retired that I wanted to spend time volunteering in my community.  I enjoy working with my hands and thought Habitat East Bay might be a good fit. After attending the orientation session in Livermore, it was clear that Habitat East bay would be a good fit.

What is your current role and level of involvement with us?
After volunteering for three years as a "construction regular" on Thursdays, I felt that I was not having the opportunity to interact with the homeowners and their families as much as I would like to. Asking around, I found out that there were other volunteer opportunities within the organization. I was directed to the Family Resource Committee (FRC).   I have been participating as an FRC volunteer for almost two years.  I have participated as a volunteer at two Family Fun Days and as a chaperone on a Google field trip. I have also recently begun work with Tim Thomas and Isabel Paez in community building with one of the Habitat neighborhoods in Concord. Finally having the opportunity to work more closely with both adults and children in the development has been very rewarding.

What motivates you to continue volunteering with Habitat East Bay?
The cause of affordable housing is a critical one for our society. Habitat for Humanity East Bay is a wonderful organization that does much good for homeowners and volunteers alike. An unexpected blessing of my work as a construction volunteer is my association with the terrific Habitat staff, some remarkable young people who are the AmeriCorps volunteers, and a new group of friends with whom I volunteer on Thursdays.

Why do you make volunteering for Habitat for Humanity East Bay a priority?
After retiring from careers in education, my wife and I began a new phase of our lives. We now both identify as community volunteers and are very proud of the work that is being done within the organizations we support.

What have been your most memorable experiences?
Every volunteer day is rewarding. I truly value the relationships that I have built with the Habitat East Bay staff and volunteers. However, the most vivid and memorable experiences are the dedication days. Everyone who attends these celebrations goes away smiling. Partnering with families who are realizing their dreams of being a homeowner is a tremendous honor.   

What are your future projects or goals at Habitat East Bay?
I plan to continue with my two volunteer activities at Habitat East Bay as long as I am able. I'm looking forward to the new developments in Bay Point next year.

How does the mission and philosophy of Habitat East Bay fit in your own life values?
My wife and I both believe that face-to-face contact, working in partnership with people to help them realize their dreams for their families, is a key component of social justice efforts. Each week I witness the Habitat East Bay staff and volunteers treating our homeowner partners with great respect and compassion. This is the kind of organization and the kind of people with whom I want to associate.

What is your favorite job on the construction site?
While I have made some great friends over my four years of volunteering, I think I enjoy most any job that I am able to do when I am partnered with a young high school aged volunteer. Supporting and encouraging their volunteer efforts will pay dividends as they hopefully make volunteerism a part of their lives in the future.

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