Shortly thereafter, his wife filed for divorce. When he applied for a Habitat house, he was living alone and unable to work, having been diagnosed as totally disabled.
When Habitat partners with an individual or family, they are required to invest “sweat equity,” which is time spent building one’s house and the houses of others. In Russell’s case, this was not possible. Nevertheless, Russell wanted to do whatever he could to help. Habitat finally agreed to let him answer the phones at the office. When his sweat equity was satisfied, Russell moved into his new Habitat house in December of 2007.
It's 2009, and Russell is still answering the phones for Habitat, usually two days a week. More than two years after he satisfied his sweat equity requirement, Russell stays on as a volunteer.
Even though his disability makes the process of getting dressed, climbing in a car and driving to work two days a week a major effort, Russell is eager to help.
“This community has given me so much, this is just my way of giving back,” says Russell. |
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“Volunteers are absolutely vital to Habitat’s work in our community, and we’re delighted when their efforts are recognized by others,” said Wendy McDonald, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Bay-Waveland Area. “Russell stands out as an example to us all,” she added. “We’re proud to know him as homeowner, volunteer and friend.” |
