Meet Our Featured Volunteer:

Rachel Barkley

Where are you from and did you volunteer with a Habitat affiliate before Charleston?
I'm originally from Lake Wylie, NC; however, I've been living in Charleston for almost 3 years. Before moving to Charleston, I had only volunteered once with Habitat in Charlotte, NC, nailing on sheet rock and insulation with some friends from high school. The house at 66 Lee St hasbeen the first and only Habitat house I've worked on in Charleston, and I have loved every minute! It's awesome that Habitat has teamed up with organizations like the Historic Charleston Foundation, utilizing old materials and the original framework of the house in order to create a more livable space for the family.

What made you want to get involved with Habitat? Did someone inspire you to participate?
I love to volunteer everywhere, but I wanted to try something new that pertained to my major at the College of Charleston (Historic Preservation and Community Planning), so I Googled "Habitat in Charleston, SC" andthere it was, 66 Lee St, Charleston, SC! I was at Habitat with a hammer and a hard hat 24 hours later.

What was your favorite thing to do while volunteering?
On my first day, I nailed 4 new studs onto 4 old studs above the door of a bedroom upstairs. We were extending the wall so that more efficient insulation could be installed. But I loved seeing the old interior shell of the house, sistered with machine-cut lumber. I learned in my Building Pathology class that sistering old wood with new lumber is a tough strategy when restoring a Charleston house; but it was great to see that Habitat took on the challenge

What would you tell someone who was unsure about spending time volunteering with Habitat?
No matter who you are, there is a job you can do! Work in the store, work on the house or even bring lunch for the workers- they will love you for it!

Did volunteering with Habitat instill a sense of desire to getinvolved again in the future with the organization?
Absolutely! I cannot wait to start volunteering at the house in West Ashley and at the new location downtown. The beauty of Habitat is that the family can keep, afford and maintain the house. No one has to move. Habitat is a sustainable effort- it does not cover up the problem, it fixes it.

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