Guest blog

My name is Bev Kovacs, and I started volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in March 2025. Here’s why Habitat for Humanity caught my attention!

Construction knowledge and skills

The first was my desire to improve my construction knowledge and skills. When I was young and wasn’t in school, I was on a construction site with my dad and family. My dad was a finishing carpenter and built houses to support our family. The kids were his apprentices on the job site, and we did everything and anything during the house-building process to help.

I feel comfortable and confident on a construction site, but it’s been many years since then, and I wanted to get back at it.

My dad passed away several years ago, but in many ways, being on the Habitat construction sites brings me closer to him. It made me realize just how talented he was as a cabinet maker!

My passion to increase my construction knowledge and skills also led me to take several DIY construction courses. After I completed the courses, I soon realized I needed to practice my newfound skills with hands-on experience to stay on top of all I learned!

Two volunteers wearing hardhats and PPE stand smiling on the construction site in Airdrie. — Bev enjoys working with different Crew Leaders so she can continue to learn and develop new skills. Here she is with volunteer Crew Leader Brian on the site in Airdrie!

“Habitat has provided me with excellent opportunities to grow and practice a variety of skills.”

I would, and still do, intentionally volunteer to work with different members of the construction crew. My reason is two-fold: to get to know as many people as possible and then to learn from the talented volunteers with Habitat because each brings their own tips and tricks.

As I gain more confidence working with tools and practicing skills, I want to start a renovation project. It might take me a bit longer, but I know I can do it with the foundation of knowledge I’ve acquired.

Giving back to the community

The second reason was to give back to the community. What I didn’t realize about Habitat, until I attended the volunteer orientation, is that future homeowners must contribute 500 hours of their time before receiving the keys to their new home.

Having volunteered and spoken with several homeowners has been a great opportunity to learn about their personal journeys. When volunteering with homeowners, you begin to feel their excitement and pride. It makes you want to do your best to ensure their home is perfect for their family.

“Seeing their joy and excitement is very rewarding; seeing the toys and bikes makes you smile; seeing homeowners build relationships with new neighbours is priceless.”

A row of townhouses with kids' bikes out front in the early morning light. — These homes in Livingston represent more than walls and a roof. For these families, these homes are giving them the chance to raise their kids in a safe, connected community.

Mind, body, and soul

The third reason to Habitat was that it was physical. I worked in the office for a local school board, and I loved the students and staff, but I will never work at a desk all day again! I retired earlier than expected for a few reasons, but I knew I needed to get moving.

Working as a construction volunteer gets you moving. I always leave the site feeling like my personal bucket is filled with the knowledge that I helped others, learned a lot, met and volunteered with wonderful people, and finished the day physically exhausted.

It’s great for my body, mind, and soul!

More to life

In addition to volunteering for Habitat, I also give my time at the YMCA, as well as with an assistance dog organization for 10+ years. For the past year and a half, I have been raising and training a black labrador retriever, Billie, who will be leaving me later this month to continue her journey and become a fully accredited assistance dog.

Habitat volunteer Bev holds a 10 week old black labrador retriever with a PADS vest. — All smiles for gotcha day! Bev started working with Billie at just ten weeks old.

I am married with three adult kids who amaze me every day – watching them grow and navigate life to become incredible and independent individuals is a pure joy. Other interests that occupy my time include gardening and cooking. Once my husband retires, he and I are looking forward to travelling!

Habitat will be part of my future. In addition to the incredible learning experiences, the other volunteers have quickly become a new and fun community to be a part of. We work hard together, but we also have lots of fun and many laughs.

I’ve helped build homes for others while building relationships with amazing people. The Habitat site staff are always welcoming and helpful. They make volunteering easy, allowing individuals the opportunity to try new and different tasks, providing instruction and guidance along the way to ensure we succeed in whatever task we take on.

A future of giving back

A future volunteering goal with Habitat for Humanity would be to participate in an international build. I’d love the opportunity to go to another country, help people, and experience their daily lives and culture.

I cannot thank the staff and volunteers at Habitat enough for the experiences I have received and the impact they have had on my life.