Summer 1998 Newsletter

Last Update: August, 1998

Two that Make a Difference

by Melissa Martin

Over the years, Seattle Habitat for Humanity has benefited from the support of thousands of volunteers. Among these volunteers are a select few whose dedication and contributions are extraordinary. Chet Neiswender and Phil McCollough are two such individuals that SHfH is lucky enough to have on board.

Five years ago, Chet was having difficulty finding affordable housing for a young family that he had been trying to help get back on their feet. After learning of the work that ex-president Jimmy Carter had done with Habitat for Humanity, Chet decided to get involved with Seattle Habitat. What started as simply volunteering his labor on the Rainier Valley project, ended up with his managing the entire work site for five months. Chet's blend of construction knowledge and experience in vocational education was, and continues to be, invaluable at the work site.

In addition to his duties at the construction site, Chet also partners with the Mao Family, providing guidance and support through the home building process and beyond. "Seeing the children grow and succeed in such a difficult neighborhood" is one of Chet's most rewarding experiences with Habitat. Being invited to the graduation of one of his family's children was an emotional experience Chet will never forget.

"No one fails to get more out of Habitat than they put in" is how Chet characterizes working with SHfH. Meeting people from all walks of life is something that all Habitat volunteers enjoy. Chet met one volunteer whose father and Chet fought against each other in the same area in the Philippines. They recently visited the Philippines together and visited the battleground where they once fought as enemies. This is one friendship that would have never come to be without the connections made through Seattle Habitat.

Another volunteer whose impact on SHfH is immeasurable is architect Phil McCollough. Phil has always been committed to producing affordable housing and coming to SHfH in 1993 was a natural extension of his commitment. On why he chose SHfH, Phil states that "[SHfH] is one of the few builders providing affordable urban housing in the country, and because of the broad base of support, one of the most effective."

Phil leant us his architectural experience by designing the Walker Townhomes. Since then he has helped to design the Lexington project, the women's built house and two other homes in Shoreline. If that wasn't enough, Phil is also on SHfH's Board of Directors and construction committee. He will also be working on the designs for the three Blitz Build homes to be built this September.

"Seeing the houses built and the construction process" is one of Phil's most rewarding parts of volunteering at SHfH. And to continue to do so Phil says, "we need buildable sites! If anyone would like to volunteer land, we'll take it!"

Seattle Habitat would like to thank both Chet and Phil for all of the time, dedication and passion they have put into their work with us. If you are interested in volunteering with us please call (206) 292-5240 for information.