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Spotlight on Volunteer Pat Crowe & Homeowner Selection Committee
Homeowner Selection Process
One important step during a Habitat building project is the Homeowner Selection, which is supported by a very special set of volunteers. Once homeowner applications are reviewed to confirm the preliminary requirements for partnership with Habitat have been met, a home visit and interview by one of our trained and dedicated homeowner selection committee (HSC) volunteers is scheduled. This home visit is designed to allow Habitat to gather more information about the family’s housing need, their ability to repay an affordible mortgage, and their willingness to partner with Habitat.
While committee volunteers do not make the final decision in the homeowner selection process, they provide an invaluable service by getting to know prospective partner families and identifying any support needs if they are selected.
The heart of successful interviews
This summer we completed the application and selection process for our nine home project on Vine St. in Paso Robles. At the heart of successful applicant interviews are the volunteers, like Pat Crowe, was a remarkable addition to the HSC and brought with her valuable experience, as she served on the committee during our last build project. Pat has a unique vantage point since she collaborated with our last group of partner families from application to moving in. We are so appreciative of her contributions, and for the many years she has been a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity SLO County.
Read more about our interview with Pat below.
Pat Crowe: Local Realtor and longtime Habitat volunteer
Q: What do you love about Habitat?
A: Having been a local Realtor for the past 40 years, I know firsthand how costly it is to live in our County. Rents are extremely high and homeownership is out of reach for a large percentage of our population. It delights me that Habitat gives families possibly their only opportunity to go from being renters to becoming homeowners.
Q: What was the highlight of your experience as a volunteer?
A: There are two highlights. The first is when I have the opportunity to meet with each family in person. Because they never imagined they’d have the opportunity to become homeowners, listening to their personal stories and their dreams of homeownership is extremely touching.
The second is attending the ceremony when the families are handed the door keys to their very own homes. Their joy at entering the homes that they helped build is hard to put into words.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is new to volunteering with Habitat?
A: Be compassionate, genuine, and open minded. Give yourself the opportunity to sincerely “tune in” to the families’ stories so they are left feeling cared about and welcomed.
When asked to describe herself or her interests, Pat was proud to mention she and her husband have a diverse, multi-cultural family, and remarked that she joined the HSC in 2006. She also identified herself as authentic, compassionate and open-minded, and our experience serving local families alongside Pat confirms she displays all of these attributes and more. Thank you for your scincere and generous commitment to the residents of San Luis Obispo County through the programs of Habitat for Humanity, Pat!
Learn more about volunteering with us, or support our work by donating today. We are so thankful to every member of the Habitat SLO Homeowner Selection Committee.