Volunteer Profile

Deanne Coorough

In Her Own Words ...

DEANNE COOROUGH

Why did you choose to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco?

When I moved out here, I didn't know anyone. I thought volunteering for Habitat would be a great contribution to my community, I thought I'd meet people, and I thought I'd have fun. When I finally got around to calling, I was able to volunteer that same week. I volunteered to work on the roof, and I remember - and it's still true - it didn't matter if men or women worked on the roof, it was whose hand went up first. Regardless of the work on site - painting, cleaning, digging, heavy lifting - it's who wants to do the work, not who anyone would expect to be better or stronger at a particular task. Anyway, we only got a few sheets down on the roof before it was too wet for anyone to be up there. So we switched gears and started installing sheetrock backing between the roof trusses at the walls. It was a cold, wet, miserable day. The rain, the water found the back of my neck all day long. I was dog tired, soaked through, and I was cold until I got home and took a hot shower. Then I lay on the couch with a heating pad on my back. When I got up off the couch I was already sore and achy. But it had been the best day, and I couldn't wait to go back.

Describe your favorite story or experience from your time on site.

We were on the Plumas (Brisbane) site pouring foundations. I hadn't poured concrete with Dawn (Construction Manager) before; no one warned me. It was an intense day. We poured foundations for three homes. It was hot, we worked through lunch, and it was just a really long day. But there was a park right across from the site - and across the street from the park was a shopping center with a deli, taqueria, Subway, bank, and a DONUT AND ICE CREAM SHOP. I really loved that site. Anyway, as we were finishing up, Dawn asked a few of the AmeriCorps if they'd go get ice cream for everyone - she would buy if they would fly. So we sat there together in the sun and talked, surrounded by our hard work, and ate ice cream. It was a little like the scene in Shawshank Redemption when they tar the roof. Although I don't mean to imply that volunteering for Habitat resembles being incarcerated….or that pouring concrete is similar to working a prison work detail.

What have you learned since volunteering with Habitat Greater San Francisco

Prime cut ends. I've learned a lot about building homes, and how not to build them. I've learned a lot of the skills involved with construction, obviously. I've learned that despite our best efforts mistakes are made, but there's always a way to fix them. I've learned that most people are more patient with me than I am. I've also learned that construction companies build houses, but volunteers, family members, dedicated staff, and civic minded AmeriCorps build homes. And I've been reminded that everyday people help each other.

Anything you would like to add?

I love Habitat. I love the camaraderie and the people. I love that I'm making a difference in someone's life, that it's made a difference in mine. I love the work - hammering, cutting, measuring, and drilling…yeah, just that stuff. And I love watching the progress of the homes week to week, standing back and looking at the homes and recalling the stages of their short history, and imagining the potential for change in the lives of the families who will live there. I work in an office at a computer all week, so Habitat on Friday and Saturday is my carrot toward getting through the week. I'm happy for the people I've met, my friends from the site, and I'm happy to be associated with Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco. Thank you.