Causecast

Causecast works with over 50 of our nation’s most active and innovative nonprofits, and we thought it was about time that we started highlighting some of the great work their volunteers are doing.

Throughout August and September, we’re putting the spotlight on some of our organizations’ most enthusiastic volunteers, continuing today with Christina Gutierrez from Rebuilding Together Orange County.

Rebuilding Together works to revitalize communities and increase home ownership through local affiliates. Many Americans who can’t afford critical repairs to their homes rely on Rebuilding Together for support on these construction projects. We spoke with Christina Gutierrez a few weeks ago at Causecast HQ in Santa Monica, CA.

How did you get involved with Rebuilding Together? What’s a typical day like when you volunteer?

I am a member of a brand new program in its first year with Rebuilding Together, an AmeriCorps National program, called Rebuilding Together Capacity Corps. I was eager to join this program because it has given me the opportunity to not only serve low-income homeowners locally in Orange County, but also take three trips to the hurricane-devastated gulf coast to rebuild. I’m passionate about this organization because we are answering the needs of communities all across the country by completing home repairs and rehabs for low-income homeowners living in substandard conditions. It’s no secret these are difficult economic times, and preserving homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream.

I’ve learned so much from my AmeriCorps service. Each day is different, from working in the office, to sharing Rebuilding Together information in the community, to doing hands-on work and leading rebuild projects. My main focus with Rebuilding Together is community outreach and volunteer coordination—giving presentations to senior centers, community groups and agencies that serve our recipient population, sending e-mails, making calls and meeting with volunteers. Each day is different, and the work is always interesting. I especially enjoy meeting with homeowners who have such compelling stories and great needs.

What’s been your most memorable moment as a volunteer? Do you have any specific stories to share?

There have been many memorable moments, but a few that stand out in particular. In May, during AmeriCorps week, all 40 Capacity Corps members traveled to Lake Charles, Louisiana, to rebuild for hurricane survivors. We worked on seven homes in five days, it was a great experience. Two homeowners, the Watleys, received virtually top to bottom repairs. The Watleys were able to escape Hurricane Rita and flee up north until the winds subsided; they returned to a community and home that was devastated. Chester Watley was eager to get his life and his home back in order, beginning repairs right away. Unfortunately Mr. Watley suffered a stroke shortly after and didn’t get to complete any of the work he started. Our volunteer team was able to re-floor and dry wall one room, add an accessible shower and bathroom, build an accessible ramp, tile the kitchen and more. The Watleys were so appreciative and gracious, they sat on their lawn every day watching us with smiles, thanking us every step of the way. Mrs. Watley even cooked a homemade Southern meal for us one of the days. On the last day, when it was time to say goodbye, there wasn’t a dry eye to be found. Mrs. Watley told us we had changed their lives and showed them there are young people in this world willing to help others and do good, something she said wasn’t readily apparent in media and usual depictions of young people. Mrs. Watley said this was the first time she had seen her husband smile since the stroke. That memory and experience will stay with me forever—the Watleys are a perfect example of what Rebuilding Together, AmeriCorps and volunteering are all about—lending a helping hand to people who need and deserve it.

Another great memory was working for Mr. Charlie Taylor in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. Taylor is an 85-year-old blind man who lives alone in his Ninth Ward home. When the flood waters started to rise after Katrina, Mr. Taylor’s neighbor offered him a ride to the Superdome. Mr. Taylor was in the Superdome for six long days, describing conditions that would be unbearable for nearly everyone, much less a disabled older adult. Mr. Taylor shared his experiences with us but always focused on the positive and moving forward. Rebuilding Together New Orleans has completely rebuilt Mr. Taylor’s home, flooring, walls, carpentry, windows, ceilings—everything. I was happy to be a part of that rebuild and help a kind gentleman who had endured so much.

This experience provides memorable moments on a regular basis. Most of our local projects are held on Saturdays. To see volunteers, families, students, working adults come together and give of their time, energy and skills to help homeowners in need is incredibly inspiring and motivating. It’s easy to get caught up in the bad news and negative messages about the state of our country, the economy and everything else, but being a part of an organization that continually calls on the good of people shines light on what can be a bleak situation.

How has your life been enriched through your experiences? How would you encourage someone who wants to get involved in public service, but may not know how to start?

I’ve always been passionate and interested in social issues and always wanted to be involved but never made the time or necessary effort to translate my values and attitudes into action. Since joining AmeriCorps my life has been impacted in a profound way. Meeting, talking with and working with the other Capacity Corps members has been inspiring, to hear and see their dedication to service has helped me stay focused and get things done. Now I volunteer with other organizations and groups and try to stay as involved and informed as possible. I used to think I didn’t have the time, or I wanted to be involved but just didn’t know how to initiate the process. Now, I realize it’s easy, if someone only has a few hours a week or a month or can dedicate a year to service in a program like AmeriCorps—there are options out there for everyone who wants to get involved. There are great websites out there too, like www.serve.gov, www.volunteermatch.com and local volunteer center websites. It’s quite easy to find opportunities that you are passionate about and get involved right away.

President Obama, his call to service, and summer of service initiative are great ways to engage communities and people in doing our part, rolling up our sleeves and getting to work on getting our country back in order. If all of us just did a little bit, we would be back on track and in the right direction in no time. I’ve seen first-hand what a few dedicated individuals can do to help people in need. It’s amazing and it has transformed my life for the better.