Volunteer of the Month: Jesse Holgate

Jesse volunteering in the community

Jesse has been a huge asset to RTS since joining our Site Preview Team. He is always willing to preview prospective homeowner applicants and has been especially instrumental in completing previews for homeowners that we hope to help on Spring Rebuilding Day in April. Jesse is also a member of the RTS Young Professionals Society and has volunteered on Rebuilding Days!

Now, let's hear from Jesse!

1. How did you get involved with RTS?

I was researching Seattle-based volunteer opportunities to become more involved in the community and utilize my skills as an Architect. Initially, I contacted Rebuilding Together Seattle (RTS) to learn more about the Young Professionals’ Society. The opportunity to volunteer as a member of the Site Preview Team came about during discussions with RTS about ways to become involved.

2. What do you enjoy most about working with our organization?

Homeowners are truly appreciative of the help that RTS provides. It’s rewarding to see the excitement from homeowners about the possible improvements to their homes. Continuing to the next home comes easily after a great site preview. The improvements by RTS come full circle from the first preview through to work completed by work parties, and then go beyond the physical changes to a home by making the homeowner’s day-to-day lives better after volunteers depart.

3. What do other volunteers say about RTS?

All of the RTS volunteers I’ve met are committed and excited about the RTS mission. The Site Preview Team members take pride in representing RTS by being the first in-person contact with homeowners.

4. Why do they want to volunteer their time?

Volunteers give their time to help deserving homeowners live independently in a healthy and safe environment. We’re able to make improvements that a homeowner may not have the physical or financial capability to make happen. Something like additions of hand rails or grab bars can make a tremendous difference.

5. What about RTS’ mission are you drawn to?

RTS truly is a neighbors-helping-neighbors organization. Volunteers know that homeowners need and appreciate all of the volunteer hours that go into their project. RTS has extremely skilled volunteers in nearly every trade imaginable to make sure that any work that is done for a homeowner is not just completed, but completed right.

Thank you, Jesse, for all your hard work!!