Habitat for Humanity East Bay

Rebecca del Carmen

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’m an energy specialist for a PG&E program, and I help low income families to save energy doing home assessments. I also DJ and cater for events, volunteer at the Crisis Center by providing sound systems for their events.

How did you first get involved with Habitat East Bay?
Through Isabel [HEB’s Homeowner Program Specialist]. She invited me because she needed help, and I have continued to help since she worked at Mt. Diablo Habitat.

What is your current role and level of involvement with us?
I’m currently an FSC member, I consider myself as a high level volunteer helping wherever they need me.

What motivates you to continue with Habitat East Bay?
The reaction of the families and needs of the community. I feel good in my heart when I help families partner with Habitat, especially when I do the orientations, home visits and selection of families. I like to help the low Income community - for me being a volunteer with Habitat is very fulfilling.

Why do you make volunteering for Habitat East Bay a priority?
I like to work with the community, and the organization accommodates my schedule. It is related to what I do at my work in a different dimension.

What have been your most memorable experiences?
Dedications, interviews, selection of families and events.

What are your future projects or goals at Habitat East Bay?
My future projects are to be the MC in Spanish at the Women’s History Month event, and to provide lunch for the Build-A-Thon volunteers. My goal is to encourage homeowners and others to support and volunteer at Habitat and try to encourage current homeowners to continue their partnership with Habitat.

How does the mission and philosophy of Habitat East Bay fit in your own life values?
Passing on the mission of Habitat to others that don’t know about the program and encourage them to apply, as well as providing them information of the Habitat program.

What is it like working side by side with families?
It is very exciting and it feels good to overcome challenges when families have issues in achieving their dreams to become homeowners.