Volunteer Profile

Brent Hughes

In His Own Words ...

BRENT HUGHES

Brent Hughes, 23, has been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco for nearly 10 months, working on the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) homes in Menlo Park and the Parkview site in Daly City. Hughes, a resident of Los Altos, is training to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Why did you choose to volunteer with Habitat?

I don't remember what first brought me out to volunteer with Habitat, but I remember it was the people who kept me coming back. The first people I grew close to were the AmeriCorps, who really deserve a lot of credit for making me feel useful and welcome on the site. It wasn't long before I got to know Dawn Adams (construction manager) and most of the other regulars. Before I knew it I had found my place among a new group of friends. It wasn't until later that I discovered this place would often be inside crawl-spaces and attics, but that's beside the point.

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

That's a tough decision. There are, of course, the thrills associated with scaffolding assembly, demolition of certain small-but-wily structures, and accidentally putting a leg through a ceiling. Come to think of it, most of my favorite stories and experiences on site are potentially incriminating, so... next question?

What have you learned since volunteering with Habitat?

If nothing else, vocabulary. Crowning studs, kerf cuts, joists, OSB, MDF- a couple years ago I would have guessed these were grisly medical conditions. Also, where else outside a career in construction can one play with- by which I mean safely and responsibly operate- a jackhammer?

Anything you would like to add?

I could not be more proud to be part of Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco. Between its people and its mission, it is a pretty fantastic organization to volunteer for. I can't thank everyone involved enough for all they have done, both for me personally and for the incredible service they provide for our local communities.