My name is Zuri Wilson and I am Habitat!
“Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity allows me to pay it forward and give from the kindness and support I received growing up. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40)
– Zuri Wilson, Graduated from Cornerstone College in Spring 2022
Q. What career or profession were you involved in before joining Habitat as a Cornerstone Leader on our construction sites?
A. I was a speech-language pathologist and currently work for a nonprofit and am a swim instructor.
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 first introduction to Habitat for Humanity came when my church in my hometown Atlanta, GA sponsored a build for an accessible home for a church member.
While I was too young to be on the site then, I enjoyed driving past the home with my family, seeing the progress, and hearing my mom talk about her experience and how the home was custom fit to the future owner’s needs.
I knew then I wanted to be involved with this organization. Fast forward 20 years or so, and here I am a Cornerstone leader.
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. The Habitat for Humanity construction site and speech pathology, swim, and my nonprofit work are worlds apart fundamentally. However, what I’ve found that translates across all environments is service – service to families working toward home ownership, our volunteers, and fellow cornerstone leaders.
Q. What is a memorable experience or project from your time with Trinity Habitat for Humanity that reaffirmed your passion for the work?
A.) The wall raising for Dr. Opal Lee’s new home is my most memorable experience with Habitat for Humanity so far. It was inspiring to see communities come together to restore her home and right a wrong with love and grace.
Q. What aspects of Habitat for Humanity’s mission stand out to you?
A. Lack of access to basic needs creates poverty. Habitat for Humanity seeks to combat specifically lack of access to shelter by providing families with not only access to housing but also the education and support to keep and care for a home. As someone who albeit briefly experienced housing instability/insecurity, I am blessed to have been able to depend on the kindness of others. Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity allows me to pay it forward and give from the kindness and support I received growing up. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt.25:40)