Laying foundations for a better life

Published 2:06 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

SNOQUALMIE – In recent weeks, volunteers have begun preparing foundations for the 20 affordable homes to be built on Snoqualmie Ridge in August.

Sixty-five employees from the Seattle branch of Andersen, a tax, audit and consulting services firm formerly known as Arthur Andersen, started Habitat for Humanity East King County’s “summer volunteer kickoff” by dropping their pens and pencils and picking up saws and tape measures at the Ridge site. It was the largest group of employees to volunteer thus far.

The employees, most of whom had never performed construction work, donned hard hats and work vests to cut lumber and lay footings for the foundations of the homes and future community center. Volunteers were made up of both men and women, from high-level executives to secretaries.

Bob Wright, managing partner of the regional tax division for Andersen, gave his employees the day off – making sure they were paid – to become volunteers.

“We did this to teach people that we have a commitment to community service by doing it rather than just talking about it. We’re walking our talk,” said Wright, who started performing community service at age 30, and 11 years later is up to 20 hours of service per week.

“Lots of people have great intentions, but never get out there and do it. But once you [volunteer] and get the satisfaction of doing it, you’re more likely to do it again.” He said a key to getting his employees out of the office was to hold the event on a weekday.

He added that he also made volunteer day a choice, so those who participated did so with a willing heart. Wright only expected about 50 employees to volunteer and was pleasantly surprised with the number that showed up. His firm works with Habitat for Humanity, the United Way and other charities on a national basis, but this is the first time the Seattle office has undertaken a weekday volunteer activity. Andersen’s employees also participated in a Habitat project in Newcastle last year.

“I came out because it’s a tremendous opportunity to give back to the community and work as a team to make a tangible, immediate difference right here in our community,” said Jamie Brightman, tax manager for Andersen. “We’re building houses with our bare hands.”

In addition, a day of physical labor away from work tends to bond employees together.

“We get to know each other as just people – people working hard,” Brightman said.

The work accomplished by the volunteers is in preparation for Habitat’s “blitz build” starting Aug. 6, when thousands of people will construct 20 houses in 12 days so low- to middle-income Valley residents will have a chance to own a home. A total of about 50 houses will eventually be built on the Ridge property, which was donated by Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Co. (WRECO). This is the largest project Habitat for Humanity of East King County has undertaken.

Andersen employees on Tuesday worked side by side with prospective homeowners, who must put in “sweat equity” hours to be eligible for a new home.

“The most satisfying part is being out with the volunteers and working with the homeowners,” said Leonard Eiger, construction organizer. “Anyone can learn the skills and do it.”

Additional volunteers are needed, from individuals to groups, to finish foundations and work on the community center. No experience is required to volunteer, and there are a variety of tasks to be completed during the summer.

To volunteer for summer activities, call Debbie Springer at (425) 869-6007. To volunteer for the blitz build, which requires a three-day commitment and a $60 hard-hat and lunch fee, call Tom Donnelly at (206) 522-9788, or register online at www.habitatekc.org.