Making a meaningful change
David “Ziggy” Ziegler enjoys building and doing for others, that’s why he’s volunteered with Habitat since 1999. These days you can usually find the 77-year-old helping out at Habitat Metro Denver’s Aurora ReStore, but he also finds joy in working alongside families around the world as they build or improve their homes.
Ziggy’s served on more than 55 builds through our longstanding partnership with Thrivent, a holistic financial services organization. The retired satellite system engineer’s helped build homes in Europe, South America and every country in Central America, including Nicaragua where his ability to mix cement almost as efficiently as local workers earned him the nickname “Ready Mix.”
“Instead of focusing on yourself, it motivates you to do some good by giving.”— Ziggy, a Habitat volunteer
Ziggy’s also supported home rebuilding efforts in Medford, Oregon, after a devastating fire, and helped families rebuild after tornadoes in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Many Thrivent clients, like Ziggy, put their generosity and faith into action by participating in weeklong volunteer experiences – as part of a collective effort with families, community members and other volunteers – to help strengthen housing resilience internationally and support our U.S. disaster recovery efforts.
“When you are there for a week building with the homeowner, it’s inspiring to see the joy on their face as we work together to construct their home,” Ziggy says.
A lasting impact
Ziggy’s had the opportunity to return to some communities, helping to support ongoing efforts to expand the availability of safe, affordable homes. While back in El Salvador, he and his fellow volunteers reconnected with a family whose home they’d previously helped build.
“Rosa was just so joyful that we came back to see her and her family,” says Ziggy. “She said it was nice to be able to have their family sleep in a place that didn’t have a dirt floor, which causes all kinds of health problems. It was a big improvement in their lives.”
“Do some good by giving.”
Seeing the powerful impact that having a safe and stable home has on a family keeps Ziggy motivated to do even more – and he’s not the only one. During the past two decades, Thrivent contributed more than US$283 million in funding and resources to Habitat to support affordable and sustainable housing solutions, and more than 824,000 people – clients, volunteers and local community members who joined Thrivent-sponsored builds – have helped build or repair more than 7,400 homes globally.
Ziggy says volunteering can change your perspective for the better. “Instead of focusing on yourself, it motivates you to do some good by giving,” he says.
Transforming our world so that everyone has a decent place to live starts with volunteers just like Ziggy stepping up for housing affordability. Together, with Thrivent, families, community members and volunteers, we are making a meaningful change.
