Habitat for Humanity East Bay

Rodney English

Rod English takes pride in having volunteered at the Kinsell Commons development since the days when it was nothing but a vast vacant lot. Site Supervisor Ben Grubb says, “not only has Rod been here from the beginning of the Kinsell Commons development, but he was the only volunteer on the construction site digging holes in the pouring rain!” The heavy winter rains did not deter Rod, who has been volunteering weekly ever since. With his positive attitude and problem-solving skills, always pitching in however needed, Rod has proven to be a huge asset to our organization.

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 a retired fire captain with 28 years of service with the Belmont-San Carlos Fire Department, formally known as South County Fire Authority. I frequently provide day care for my two granddaughters ages 7 and 4.  I work out daily and run several organized foot races throughout the year including my most recent Half Marathon in San Francisco this July. I work on many home projects as well.
 
How did you first get involved with Habitat East Bay?
I always wanted to get into volunteering after I retired and Habitat was a perfect opportunity. I went to an orientation presentation at Edes Avenue back on January 9th and was sold.
 
What is your current role and level of involvement with us?
I am a registered regular volunteer at the Kinsell Commons development and have volunteered once a week every week since January 29th of this year. I also participated all four days of the Build-A-Thon this past April.
 
What motivates you to continue with Habitat East Bay?
I'm very impressed the organization and all its facets and I've met and worked with some great people including Habitat personnel, weekly regulars, homeowners, and most enjoyably the AmeriCorps members.
 
Why do you make volunteering for Habitat East Bay a priority?
I wanted to give back to the community, I grew up in Oakland, I wanted something challenging, and I like seeing the progress week to week. I've taken pictures every week since the beginning!
 
What have been your most memorable experiences?
The Build-A-Thon was great, getting to see all the different corporate groups that show up at the construction site, and sometimes leading a small crew on a project.
 
What are your future projects or goals at Habitat East Bay?
Just to continue until the current development is completed and then move over to the nearby development that is getting ready to start up. I can see myself involved with Habitat in some capacity for years to come.

How does the mission and philosophy of Habitat East Bay fit in your own life values?
I believe in Habitat's philosophy to get a commitment from the future homeowners, and getting their continued participation in their community is ideal. It's not a handout and not something that someone thinks is owed them.  
 
If you could be a tool what would you be and why?
Probably some type of cordless power tool; I like to move quickly and not get dragged down or limited to where I can go.
 
What is your favorite job on the construction site?
My favorite job is a challenging job, like making something fit, match, or work that is not quite the way it was designed. Problem-solving was a big part of what I did as a firefighter.
 
What is it like working side by side with families who are completing their sweat equity hours? 
One of the best rewards you can expect to see for working with this organization. The testimonials I've heard are very heart felt.

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Russ Peterson
Posts: 1

Volunteer of the Month
Reply #1 on : Fri August 27, 2010, 18:48:47

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You could't find a more deserving volunteer that Rod English. He can do anything he sets his mind to- the more complicated the better. He problem solves and takes great pride in being able to figure out solutions and then tackles the difficult jobs with outstanding skills.
Congratulations to Rod and the Habitat for selecting such a great voluteer.