Meet CORE Construction Volunteer: Ray Haas

Meet Ray Haas, a long-time Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity construction volunteer! We recently caught up with Ray to chat about his experience volunteering with Habitat for Humanity!

​What year did you start volunteering with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity?
"I began volunteering with IVHFH in 1998. In addition to my hands-on construction work, in the early 2000's I served six years on the Board of Directors including two years as vice president and two years as president during which time Mark Patton and Christy Shipley were hired."

Ray and his wife, Retha, biking across the US.

What is your favorite memory with IVHFH?
"It is difficult to identify a favorite memory because there have been so many great memories! The most meaningful memory occurred in 2004 when IVHFH completed a house in Tipton in memory of my parents. Retha (my wife) and I completed a ride across the US—Long Beach Island, New Jersey to San Francisco—to fund a significant portion of the construction cost. The most fun memories have occurred when Christy has invited me and other CORE volunteers to work on Women Build projects with UI Women's Athletic Teams: Field Hockey, Soccer, Golf, Gymnastics, Softball, Tennis, Swimming/Diving, and Basketball."

What drives you to continue to volunteer with IVHFH?
"First, I have a passion for service/volunteering. Second, I have been a proponent of Habitat's mission since 1989 when I first volunteered on a weeklong blitz build in Kansas City. Third, the need for simple, decent, affordable housing persists. What better way to address the need than to work with IVHFH's outstanding staff and CORE volunteers. I derive great satisfaction when the keys to a brand-new house are presented to a partner family with whom we (I) have worked side-by-side during the construction of their house."

If you could give advice to any new volunteers or individuals who are on the fence about volunteering, what would you tell them?
"Don't let doubt get in the way of serving. You will receive comprehensive instruction, learn new skills and gain confidence. You will never be asked to do things that make you uncomfortable. Most importantly you will be helping to build a home for a deserving family."

Thank you, Ray, for all of your hard work and dedication to Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity! We are so thankful to have you as a volunteer!

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