James Hunter has been the construction manager for Alamance County’s Habitat for Humanity for the past three years. He has worked for many other companies prior, such as McDevitt and Street, as well as working for himself and getting his contractor’s license.

 

One day when Hunter was in Lowe’s, he ran into a friend who asked if he would be interested in working for Habitat. He was unsure at first, but once hearing more details about Habitat, such as the work schedule and what he would be doing, which isn’t too different from what he was doing then, he was all in. 

 

“At first it was a little difficult for me because I’m a hands-on kind of person and it’s hard to delegate,” Hunter said.

 

Hunter said it took him a while to learn to let go of being in control of everything. It was important to him to teach the frequent volunteers how to do things, so he can focus on those who come less frequently or who are first timers. 

 

It is important to Hunter to keep new volunteers interested and engaged during their time at Habitat, as he knows that is the only way they will come back.

 

“I know who my regulars are, and I know they’ll come back, but for others, if they don’t have enough to do or aren’t engaged, they’re not coming back,” Hunter said.

 

As Elon is in close proximity and is in good relations with Habitat for Humanity, the organization often gets a lot of Elon volunteers. Many Elon students help work on houses each week. On average it takes about five months to finish a house depending on the weather, as well as recently it has been difficult with the supply chain shortages getting supplies.

 

Not only do students volunteer for Habitat but so do faculty and staff. Elon University Environmental Services are required to do 16 hours of volunteer work for Habitat every year.

 

“It’s always nice when the environmental service workers come as they aren’t afraid to just jump right in and help,” Hunter said. “With some students and other volunteers you have to hold their hand, which is fine, but make sure they know what they are doing, and always make sure they have a task.”

 

One volunteer, Greg Evans who volunteers every week, used to live in Rochester N.Y. and volunteered for Habitat there. Once he moved down to North Carolina two weeks ago, he started with the Habitat here to meet people through similar interests and improve his knowledge. 

 

“I come to help, but I also come to learn,” Evans said.

 

Once the houses are finished, they have a dedication where the volunteers are invited back who had a part in building the house. This is one of Hunter’s favorite parts as he gets to see those who worked at different times come together to celebrate their work. Hunter said he loves seeing the look on people’s faces when they see the finished houses and giving back to the community. 

 

“I’ve always been a ‘giver backer.’” Hunter said.

 

Hunter said the commercial construction work just didn't have the same feeling of gratification he gets from putting a community member in a house when "there is no other way they would’ve been there.”