Who are you! Give us a little detail about Paul outside of Habitat.
I am originally from southern California. I moved to the Tri-Cities in 1978 to work for Vitro Engineering, Kaiser Engineers Hanford, United Engineers (WPPSS Units 1&4), and Fluor Government Group. In 2004, I moved to Greenville, SC to work for Fluor, and moved back to the Tri-Cities in 2018. While I was in South Carolina, I went on a 3-year field assignment in Marquette, MI. When I am not volunteering with Habitat I enjoy mountain biking, which I started doing when I was living in Michigan.
What is your role in Habitat?
I am currently crew lead on Fridays and the acting crew lead on Mondays. I have also worked several Saturdays in Walla Walla after the high school construction program (SEATech) was shut down due to Covid-19.
I also work with Ben Moyers in updating the Habitat construction drawings and creating site plans required for permitting.
How long have you been volunteering with Habitat?
I starting working with Habitat when Tri-County Partners was being formed, helped build the first house, and continued with TCP until moving to South Carolina. After moving I continued to volunteer with Habitat in Greenville and also in Marquette.
Why did you get involved with Habitat?
The number one reason is that Habitat is a Christian-based organization that provides a helping hand to so many families that are in need of housing.
What is your favorite memory you have experienced working with Habitat?
There are so many, but all revolve around the people I have had the pleasure to work with. Early on, I remember one of the homeowners, I think it was Mr. Garcia, who was very quiet and reserved when we started building the home for his family. On the day we dedicated the house, he was a changed man, exuding confidence and pride, and a real sense of accomplishment. I can still see the smile on his face as he was handed the keys to his home.
What inspires you?
The starfish story:
A man was walking on the beach one day and noticed a boy who was reaching down, picking up a starfish and throwing it in the ocean. As he approached, he called out, “Hello! What are you doing?”
The boy looked up and said, “I’m throwing starfish into the ocean”.
“Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the man.
“The tide stranded them. If I don’t throw them in the water before the sun comes up, they’ll die” came the answer.
“Surely you realize that there are miles of beach, and thousands of starfish. You’ll never throw them all back, there are too many. You can’t possibly make a difference.”
The boy listened politely, then picked up another starfish. As he threw it back into the sea, he said,
“It made a difference for that one.”
