Angie Tapang, one of about 1,000 PG&E employees who have volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity project in Daly City, described the experience as very worthwhile. (Photos by David Kligman.)
By David Kligman
DALY CITY— Since 2010, PG&E has provided a steady stream of employee volunteers to help build a four-story Habitat for Humanity condominium complex that will be home to 36 working-class families.
On Thursday (Feb. 16), Ezra Garrett, PG&E’s vice president of community relations, announced even more support—a renewed agreement to fund solar installations for every new Habitat for Humanity project in the PG&E service area. He estimated this year’s contribution to be about $1.3 million.
Garrett’s news was delivered at the start of a special volunteer day at the construction site, which sits on a former rental car parking lot in this city just south of San Francisco. About 15 PG&E employees joined several winners of a recent San Francisco Business Times award recognizing 40 emerging Bay Area business leaders under the age of 40, including Garrett, who have made an impact professionally and personally.
The project is the largest ever for Habitat for Humanity San Francisco. Construction also will feature the single largest solar installation project for the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity. Solar panels are scheduled to be installed in March and will supply power for the large complex’s common areas, including elevators, garage doors and outdoor lighting.
Volunteers signed welcome cards, hand-made by PG&E employees, that will be delivered to new homeowners.
PG&E brings funds and manpower
Phillip Kilbridge, executive director of Habitat for Humanity’s greater San Francisco region, thanked PG&E for its many volunteers as well as almost $146,000 in funding for the project. Since 2007, the utility has provided nearly a half million dollars to Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco.
“PG&E has really assisted us in that push for green development,” Kilbridge told Currents. “It’s good for the environment, it’s good for homeowners and it’s more sustainable energy for the region.”
Garrett said PG&E’s involvement is more than just writing a check.
“It’s about making an investment in our communities,” he said.
Everyone who volunteers must wear a hard hat and sturdy shoes or boots. On Thursday, after some introductions and group photos, volunteers were instructed on safety precautions. They were then given a choice of daylong jobs, including exterior painting on scaffolding, installing plank siding or exterior framing.
Ezra Garrett, PG&E's vice president of community relations, center, joined other award-winning buisiness leaders under the age of 40 to volunteer their time at a Habitat for Humanity condominium project.
Construction experience not required
Some of the volunteers know their way around a construction site while others have no experience. PG&E’s Angie Tapang, who works in a high-rise office as a senior secretary, said this type of volunteering was new to her.
“You learn how a house is built from start to finish and you have that good feeling that you’re helping out a family,” said Tapang as she fluffed insulation made of recycled denim jeans.
All the volunteer help is needed. When the project is completed in December, volunteers will have contributed 90 percent of the work.
About 250 families applied for the chance to live at the complex, a number that was eventually narrowed to 36. This select group has each displayed a distinct need for safe and stable housing and proven their ability to pay a mortgage.
Before moving into their three-bedroom condo, each homeowner is required to volunteer 500 hours to help build the homes. One of them, Maria Layson, was at the work site Thursday as she constructed frame walls with PG&E employees.
“It means so much to us that they’re helping us build our own house,” said Layson, whose husband and her two young daughters all join in contributing to the family’s future house. She said her children can’t wait for moving day.
“They’re so excited,” she said. “When we drive by, they say, ‘That’s our home-to-be, mommy.’”
E-mail David Kligman at david.kligman@pge.com.
