Marshall’s Charlie Ettinger Named NE Texas Habitat Volunteer of the Month
Charlie Ettinger of Marshall cannot remember exactly when he began serving as a volunteer with Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity. The important thing for him is that he continues to be available to help wherever needed.
That’s the spirit of many Habitat project volunteers, and Charlie is no different. His building and carpentry skills make him the perfect fit to any Habitat build team.
“It’s been awhile but I think I’ve been doing it at least 10 years,” Charlie says when trying to answer how long he’s been a Habitat volunteer. “I started out assisting in the home building and then became the treasurer of the Harrison County organization before we
became associated with the larger Northeast Texas Habitat.”
Charlie enjoys the work of Habitat, as he has experience with basic carpentry, fence building, and other aspects of a Habitat project. He has helped with the construction of the Franklin Street house in Marshall and is always looking for the next opportunity to serve.
“The thing I like most is that this is a charity where the recipient has some skin in the game,” he said. “We don’t just give things to people. We help them by building them an affordable house and they must also help in the building.”
Charlie also enjoys the experience of contributing to the overall community with his service to Habitat.
“We are turning vacant lots into homes for families that normally wouldn’t own a house,” he said. “It also puts the houses on the tax rolls for the city and county.”
Charlie also says the opportunity to work with and meet new people from all walks of life is another benefit of his time with Habitat.
“I have gotten to know a lot of good people, the volunteers and the homeowners,” he said. “Getting to know the homeowners and their personal stories, how they spent time in substandard rental housing and now own a home of their own, are some of the things I remember most.”
Habitat for Humanity is grateful for the work of Charlie Ettinger, and we congratulate him as our Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity Volunteer of the Month for January 2022!