Volunteer Spotlight: Steve’s 300 Deconstruction Days
Volunteers are the heart of our mission, and nowhere is that more evident than in our Deconstruction Program. This small but mighty team carefully salvages kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, appliances, and more from local homes, giving these materials a second life at the Williamson County ReStore. Every item sold helps fund our work, covering essential administrative costs that keep our mission moving forward.
At the center of this effort is a tenacious trio, Grayling, Kirby, and Steve, whose dedication keeps the program running strong.
Steve has been a longtime Habitat for Humanity volunteer and is on the cusp of completing his 300th deconstruction with our affiliate!
That milestone represents an incredible impact: approximately $450,000 worth of deconstruction revenue and 1,200 volunteer hours!
We are deeply grateful for Steve’s commitment, work ethic, and heart for serving others.
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Steve to learn more about his experience and what keeps him coming back.
How did you first get connected with Habitat for Humanity here in Williamson & Maury Counties?
“I started doing deconstruction work for Habitat in Houston. One of the guys in my Sunday School class was doing it, and I volunteered to go with him. They tear down about 85 houses per year, and in two years, I worked on 85 houses. They had about ten volunteers with three paid Habitat employees.
When I moved to Franklin, I started looking for similar volunteer opportunities. Eventually, I made contact with the volunteer coordinator at Franklin First United Methodist Church, and he is the one who connected me with Ansel.”
You mentioned doing a lot of deconstruction (decon) work—what do you enjoy most about that type of project?
“I think I’m approaching 300 projects for the TN chapter. Probably did about 100 in Houston. I like the hands-on work. I learn something on almost every job. You don’t have to be a perfectionist to “break things”. It is an excuse for me to buy new toys (tools).”
What are one or two skills you’ve learned through volunteering that you didn’t expect?
“I’ve learned about new tools and how to use them. I now have a pretty efficient tool bag for the job. I’ve learned about quality build techniques.”
Have you ever had a day on-site that didn’t go as planned but ended up being meaningful or memorable?
“In deconstruction, it never goes as planned. Every job has some quirk that we have to figure out, and that is part of the challenge. Each job is a puzzle.”
What keeps you coming back year after year?
“I enjoy meeting new people and exploring new neighborhoods. I like the hands-on part of it. It keeps me active and engaged. When I get to the “end of the road,” I’d like to be able to look back with hope that I helped make things better.”
If you had to describe volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in three words, what would they be?
“Helping Others Help Themselves. (I can’t count).”
What does “home” mean to you, and how does Habitat for Humanity connect to that?
“Home is that safe place you can be you. Doesn’t have to be a building, but more a state of mind. Having a comfortable house helps establish that safe place. I grew up in a big family where all the kids hung out, and I think some of those kids felt like our house was more of a home than where they lived.”
What advice would you give to someone handy but nervous about joining their first build or decon day?
“Come join the fun. We don’t bite. You can learn what you need on the job, and we are always glad to teach what we do know.”