09/02/2026
Volunteer Spotlight: Richard
Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up?
I had a pretty unique upbringing. I grew up all over the country because my stepfather was a Master Chief in the U.S. Coast Guard. I spent time in Alaska, Washington, and Virginia, zigzagging back and forth as our family moved. I lived in Virginia and attended Edison High School and Fairfax High School for a few years before moving back to Alaska, where I graduated. After all that moving around, Seattle became home, at least for now. Someday I'd like to retire back on the East Coast.
What did you do before volunteering with Habitat?
I've worked hard my entire life and have worn a lot of hats. After high school, I worked in Alaska's fishing industry, doing everything from cannery work to commercial fishing. I worked on boats catching halibut, salmon, and Dungeness crab around Kodiak Island. It's tough work, but it taught me a lot about perseverance and teamwork. Later, I built a career as a machinist and spent about 35 years in manufacturing and technical trades. I've worked in aerospace, electronics, warehousing, healthcare, and window manufacturing. I also worked as a technician at UW Medical Center and spent years operating heavy equipment and training others in warehouse logistics.
How did you get involved with Habitat for Humanity?
I came to Habitat through the AARP. I started volunteering at the Smokey Point Habitat Store in 2023, working at the pricing table. Since then, I've taken on different responsibilities and eventually found my place in the tool department. My background with tools, machinery, and technical work made the transition feel natural. Over time, I've been able to help train other volunteers and support the team however I can.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Habitat?
The people are what keep me coming back. I've enjoyed working closely with volunteers and staff like Jim, Al, Vicky, Mercy, Michael, and Chris. Everyone brings a different style and personality, but we work well together and support each other. I especially enjoy mentoring newer volunteers and sharing some of the knowledge I've gained over the years.
Any favorite Habitat memories or shout-outs?
One thing that stands out is how much the people make me laugh. Working with Chris is always memorable. I'd also like to give a shout-out to Chris, Mercy, Michael, Jim, Al, and Vicky. They all bring something different to the team. Chris has excellent people skills and does a great job leading and connecting with everyone. Mercy has taught me a lot and helped me grow in pricing. The whole team has made Habitat a place where I enjoy coming in and contributing.
"The people here are what make the experience special. Everyone has something to teach, and we're all learning from each other." – Richard
Volunteer with Habitat Snohomish: https://www.habitatsnohomish.org/volunteer
