My name is Ronnie Erwin and I am Habitat!

“Volunteering for Habitat through Cornerstone is unique in that you are spending a month or so building a house for a specific family.”

– Ronnie Erwin, graduated from Cornerstone College in 2015

Q. What career or profession were you involved in before joining Habitat as a Cornerstone Leader on our construction sites?

A. After doing a family medicine residency at John Peter Smith Hospital, I spent 40 years in a group family practice in North Richland Hills

Q. What initially drew you to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and how did you first get involved with Trinity Habitat for Humanity?

A.  My friend, Andy Cordell, had been volunteering with Habitat for years.  He encouraged me to come work when I retired.  Besides helping the community, I thought it would be fun and help fill some of my retirement time.  It was a good fit because I do enjoy working with my hands and being outdoors.

Q. How have the skills or experiences from your previous career or profession translated into your work on the Habitat for Humanity construction site?

A. My group practice taught me how to work together for the good of our patients as well for our own well-being.

The cornerstone group of volunteers does likewise, working together to finish projects and to have each other’s backs.

Q. What is a memorable experience or project from your time with Trinity Habitat for Humanity that reaffirmed your passion for the work?

A.) There were a couple of times that I had a group of volunteers who scheduled to work together for several days in a row. By working together for 4-5 days, individual confidence and team spirit evolved.  I could tell that they appreciated each other’s abilities and efforts.  This is how the cornerstone group of volunteers is.  We get to know each other, gradually develop skills, and enjoy working together.

Q. What aspects of Habitat for Humanity’s mission stand out to you?

A.   Volunteering for Habitat through Cornerstone is unique in that you are spending a month or so building a house for a specific family.  This family will have a home that will be affordable, energy-efficient, and well-built.

I believe affordable home ownership encourages family stability and is important to our society.