Rodney Blacklock
Since May of 2003, hardly a Thursday has passed in which we haven’t had the joy of building with Rodney on the construction site. His construction skills and work ethic, coupled with a kind and thoughtful disposition, make Rodney a fantastic builder and true friend of Habitat. Rodney has recently reached a very significant milestone, having contributed a whopping 500 hours of volunteerism! Congratulations and thank you, Rodney, for your fantastic achievement.
How did you first get involved with Habitat for Humanity East Bay?
I became involved with Habitat when my wife and I signed up for a build in Temisco, Mexico in 1999 with Elderhostel and Habitat. We had a great time and we found the experience to be very rewarding. I decided to find out what was happening with Habitat at home in the East Bay. I went to an orientation meeting in Crockett and soon after began working one day a week at the Fruitvale site.
What motivates you to continue volunteering with Habitat for Humanity East Bay?
I find that every Thursday when I volunteer I learn something new and I meet a lot of interesting and friendly people. I like talking with the AmeriCorps people and the other volunteers. All the staff and volunteers I have met at Habitat are wonderful people and I am proud to be a part of this terrific organization. I enjoy the variety of jobs we do in building homes.
How does the mission and philosophy of Habitat East Bay fit in your own life values?
My wife and I have always believed in volunteering in the community and Habitat is especially satisfying because it enables families to have homes who otherwise might not be able to afford them. Habitat also provides work experience for a lot of people. We feel that Habitat not only builds homes, it builds communities and it is good for our cities.
"We feel that Habitat not only builds homes, it builds communities and it is good for our cities." - Rodney Blacklock
What are your plans with us in the future?
In addition to continuing to work on Thursdays as often as I can, I plan to spend two weeks in January in Ecuador with a Global Village team building Habitat homes.
"As a former machinist, Rodney is very mechanically skilled and can fix difficult problems on the construction site. He has a cheerful presence and does a great job teaching other volunteers." - Paul Farrell, Site Supervisor
Tell us a little bit about yourself? Besides volunteering with HFHEB what other things do you do with your time?
I love sailing, hiking, traveling, and spending time with my children and my six grandchildren.
