VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: VALERIE DEMATTEI-SELBY

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SPS Habitat for Humanity, and their contributions have made a significant impact on the organization's mission in our community From building homes to serving on committees and organizing fundraising events, volunteers play a critical role in ensuring that we can continue to provide safe, affordable housing to those in need

Overall, volunteers are an essential part of our success They bring their time, energy, and skills to the organization. Their impact is felt not only in the homes they help to build but also in the sense of community and empowerment they create for Habitat homeowners and volunteers alike.

MEET VALERIE! WE ASKED VALERIE A FEW QUESTIONS AND HERE IS WHAT SHE SHARED WITH US

1

What inspired you to volunteer with South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity, and how did you become involved with our organization?

I first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in San Francisco, CA as a way to fulfill my volunteer hours to be eligible to take my architectural licensing exams. I helped with public park clean-ups, critical home repairs, and even painted some playhouses for children. This was over 10 years ago and I still think very highly of the organization. After having my daughter, I did not feel ready to go back to work (I was working for a General Contractor at the time), so I’ve been a “stay-at-home-mom” for about 2 years now My family moved to Olympia last summer and we’ve since put my daughter in daycare so I could start to have a bit of free time While I still do not feel ready to go back to work, I feel very privileged and fortunate to be in my current position. I feel strongly that privilege should be acknowledged and those with privilege should give what they can to others. My husband and I donate money to different organizations regularly, but I wanted to give something potentially even more valuable: my time and knowledge I started looking into ways that I may help some of the local unhoused population I decided to reach out to Habitat for Humanity South Puget Sound to see if my experience could be beneficial in some way Turns out, there were plenty of things I could help with!