Mike Balun
At sixty-six years old Mike Balun frames houses, builds fences and carports, and twists rebar. An unstoppable man, he was dubbed “Every Day Mike” soon after the project began for volunteering several times each week. Mike has served over fifteen hundred hours with Habitat for Humanity East Bay at the Livermore development, more than any other volunteer. Our Habitat staff describes Mike as detail-oriented, patient, and a precise and accurate builder. “I really enjoy working with Every Day Mike,” says AmeriCorps crew leader Brent Bateman. “He always makes sure to do things correctly and finishes quickly and on time.” As this month’s featured volunteer we celebrate Every Day Mike as one of our most outstanding volunteers.
How did you first get involved with Habitat for Humanity East Bay?
I have always been interested in volunteering. After I retired, I volunteered with AIDS Ride and bicycled from Fairbanks to Anchorage, Alaska. I started volunteering with Habitat for Humanity East Bay in 2004. I knew one of the families that were picked to move into one of the homes. I helped them with their 500 hours of sweat equity and usually worked two days a week at the construction site.
You were awarded, “Most Likely to Show Up Every Day” at this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Party by the AmeriCorps Crew Leaders. What motivates you to build homes with Habitat East Bay on such a consistent basis?
What motivates me the most is not only getting the chance to interact with people and make new friends, but also putting my free time towards a good cause. I also like the mental challenge and opportunity to work with my own hands.
"I like the mental challenge and opportunity to work with my own hands."
Describe your favorite Habitat experience.
I think the happiest moments are during the dedication ceremonies. It gives you a warm feeling to see how much appreciation and emotion the families show. I think everyone’s dream is to own their first home. Habitat for Humanity makes that dream come true. Congratulations!
What is your favorite tool to work with?
One of my favorite tools is using the pneumatic nailer. It does all the hard work fast.
Tell us a little bit about yourself? Besides volunteering with HFHEB what other things do you do with your time?
I was born in Carmel and grew up in Monterey, California. I started working for the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 1965. While working for the Lab, I was involved in a medical experiment for NASA and underground nuclear testing at a Nevada Test Site. I retired from the Livermore Lab in 2000 after thirty-seven years of service. On my spare time I like to read, fish, watch a good movie, and spend a warm afternoon at a baseball game.
