DAVE DUPUIS: SERVING COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY

We at Habitat for Humanity Fresno County are so proud of our faithful volunteer, Dave Dupuis! Dave has been volunteering with Habitat for the past two years, and this spring he received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for putting in over 250 hours of volunteer service for Habitat. He is the second person in our affiliate to receive this special

award.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation was established  in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities. The Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example,  inspire others to engage in volunteer service.

Dave has been a proven leader at Habitat Fresno. He began his volunteer service through the Mennonite Community Church on the first Apostle Build.  When that project was completed, Dave continued to volunteer on most Saturdays and even during the week, when his job allowed.

Dave is a clinical social worker by profession. He had worked with the Department of the Navy for many years and lived in Italy, Spain, and Lemoore, CA, working in support of military families. Due to   his professional reputation coupled with his dedication, Dave was hired as a Program Analyst to serve in the office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Family Policy. Dave and his family will be moving to Washington, D.C. and he will begin his service in mid-July.

Dave has already started searching for a Habitat affiliate in the D.C. area, particularly in northern Virginia.  Duties permitting, he will continue his volunteer work. “I’m taking my tool belt with me,” he said.

Congratulations, Dave!  You exemplify all that is good in dedication to the community through both your work as well as your commitment to volunteering.

PRESERVING THE PAST, BUILDING THE FUTURE

Affordable housing is at the center of our work, but by no means does Habitat Fresno stand alone in this commitment.  Affordable housing is a community issue that the City of Fresno knows al ltoo well.  Through the Community Housing Development Department, the city strives to build a positive city image, beautify neighborhoods, create a livable downtown and generate investment interest in Fresno’s housing market.  The HOME Investment Partnership Program is one avenue for builders like Habitat Fresno to partner with the city.  We are proud to announce our participation in this program with the acquisition of two downtown lots, located at Echo and Nevada Avenues in  the historic Lowell neighborhood.

Tagged for demolition, two old, dilapidated homes recently sat upon this three-lot parcel. Upon investigation, it was discovered that both the homes were not just old, they were unique. One of       the houses was built in 1884 before Fresno was incorporated and before building permits were     even issued. It is perhaps the oldest existing house in Fresno.

A local developer bought both homes and has moved one directly behind the other one on one lot.    Both houses will be renovated and brought back to their original charm, and sold to low-income families.  This move afforded Habitat for Humanity Fresno County the opportunity to develop two new homes on the remaining two lots.

We worked closely with the Lowell/Jefferson Review Committee to design beautiful homes that complement the aesthetic of this historic neighborhood. The homes will be three bedroom models     with detached garages in the back. We are extremely excited about this project and plan to be

under construction by mid-July.

AMERICORPS MARCHES IN

Portions of this article were taken from an article written by Christel Tee Sy -

AmeriCorps volunteer with the Central Valley Health Network

This past March, the Central Valley Health Network AmeriCorps volunteers became a part of the  Habitat mission by contributing their time and talents to help create affordable housing opportunities in Fresno County. Prior to volunteering with Habitat, many of the AmeriCorps volunteers did

not have much knowledge of the organization and how it impacted

the community. That soon changed after both spending time on the construction site helping to lay the foundation for a home and at ReStore helping staff to organize its product to sell to raise funds to build more homes.  “I was a little concerned at first, not knowing how I would be able to help, because like many  of us, I had no prior construction skills,” says AmeriCorps volunteer Erica Mireles.  “I was simply amazed we got so much done.”

 Working alongside Habitat partner family members, staff, and fellow AmeriCorps volunteers, the task was completed.  Not only did the volunteers learn how to lay foundation, they learned the lesson of teamwork.   “I learned the value of construction work and the feeling of camaraderie,” says Cynthia Mendez. “The work done at the construction site gave a true example of bringing a community together for the greater good. I walked away with an eye-opening experience of just how giving, caring and inspiring people can be.”  

For some, it also provided a sense of appreciation.  Sukhvir Rajania who volunteered at Habitat’s ReStore said, “Just helping out at ReStore for only a few hours made it easier for the staff and they appreciated our help. That’s what made it work for me.”

Volunteering with Habitat is always fun, and easy.  If you are interested in volunteering your time,     and talent, please call Joan Cook at (559) 237-4102, or by e-mail Joan@habitatfresno.org