Baldip Dyal
Baldip Dyal is a Biochemistry student at Cal State East Bay who makes the time to build almost every Saturday. He first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity East Bay at our Livermore development and now enjoys working with the construction staff and AmeriCorps members at the Edes Avenue development in Oakland. In the past year Baldip has completed over 250 volunteer hours with us, an achievement not many can claim. What keeps this remarkable student motivated? He says that Habitat East Bay “has opened doors for many families who were unable to afford a home on their own and has taught me not only how to build a home, but also how to be a leader and build a better community.“ Baldip has spent enough time on the construction site to see dozens of families realize their dream of homeownership, and each family reminds him why he loves volunteering with Habitat for Humanity East Bay.
Baldip is greatly appreciated by Habitat staff and AmeriCorps members. "I'm inspired by Baldip's sense of mission and purpose," explains Matt Durham, volunteer coordinator. "Baldip is driven by his heart of gold, and his intentions are earnest and admirable - to serve the community by serving Habitat."
What motivates you to volunteer with Habitat?
Being able to meet new people in the community with a common interest of bettering our society has motivated me to continue to volunteer with Habitat. This non-profit organization has opened doors for many families who were unable to afford a home on their own and has taught me not only how to build a home, but also how to be a leader and build a better community.
How does the mission and philosophy of Habitat East Bay fit in your own life values?
Neighborhood and community involvement is a great passion of mine. From an early age I regularly attended community collaborative meetings with the Hayward police department; I have continued my works in the community by sponsoring and being a part of charity walks, and presently volunteering at Habitat East Bay.
What are your plans with us in the future?
My plans with Habitat East Bay are to continue to volunteer on a weekly basis, and be a part of the upcoming Earth Day Build-A-Thon event on April 19th through 22nd. I also hope to be a part of the upcoming completion of the 200th home by Habitat East Bay.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I have been volunteering with Habitat East Bay since January 2007. I have enjoyed my volunteering experience so much that I have brought my brother and cousins to volunteer with me on Saturdays. My brother, Simrit, has been volunteering on many Saturdays with me, and he has enjoyed the community building experience.
Currently I’m in my final year at California State University of East Bay as an undergraduate student majoring in biochemistry. Outside of school and volunteering, I enjoy sports, and I’m a huge supporter of the San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, and also Manchester United Red Devils.
Describe your most memorable Habitat experience.
I don’t have one experience that stands out from the others, but I hope that my experience in the upcoming Build-A-Thon will become my most memorable Habitat experience.
