This post is an excerpt from an article originally published by Points of Light. Bob Allmand, a volunteer at our Affiliate in Ambler, PA, was recently honored as a Daily Point of Light Awardee.
You can view the original version of the article here.
FINDING GRACE IN BEING HANDY FOR THE HOMELESS
Hope Gardens is aptly named. This eight unit apartment community in Ambler north of Philadelphia is run and owned by Inter-Faith Housing Alliance, a non-profit that provides transitional housing – and hope – for low-income families with children. Since 2009, the year after he retired, Bob Allmond has been a volunteer maintenance worker for IHA, logging more than 1000 hours in the past five years alone keeping the apartments looking good and all systems go. Trained as an engineer, Bob was always handy, skills he learned from his dad, who was an industrial equipment mechanic. Besides doing fix-it projects, Bob has modernized IFH’s maintenance request process and serves on the property committee. Turns out retirement just wasn’t for him. Helping folks get back on their feet by providing them safe and comfortable housing is what makes this low-key septuagenarian feel very blessed.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO VOLUNTEER?
I knew about the apartments because when they first opened them in the 80s, our church sponsored one of the units. So in between tenants we’d go in and refurbish for the next move in. When their regular maintenance guy left, they asked me if I’d be interested in the job. I said I’d do whatever I could, but I didn’t want to be paid. I guess I didn’t know how much time I’d be spending, but the work is very rewarding. I grew up mission minded because of church – so I’ve always looked for opportunities to serve people less fortunate. It feels good to give back.
DESCRIBE YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE WITH INTER-FAITH HOUSING?
I do painting, some carpentry, tile, plumbing – whatever they need. There are three of us who do the work, we’re a good team. I like to take the time to talk to the tenants, who can be a little hesitant until they feel comfortable. I never ask personal questions, but over time people get to trust me. There have been tenants who’ve become friends – and I’d have never met them if I wasn’t volunteering. I don’t know who gets the bigger blessing, them or me.
