Congratulations to Volunteer Jim Hatfield

Jim Hatfield has been a regular construction volunteer with Habitat since his very first volunteer day in 1998. Since then, he’s dedicated one to two volunteer days per month to Habitat for 21 years!

“Habitat is the only nonprofit I’ve been involved in where you can measure results,” Jim recently shared. “It’s so important. I’m kind of known as ‘Mr. Habitat’ for letting everyone know about Habitat’s program.”

This month, Jim has been honored with the South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association (SMDRA) Good Neighbor Award. This award recognizes REALTOR® members who make a positive impact on their community through volunteerism.

In addition to Jim’s impressive tenure as a Core Volunteer, he has also led the recruitment and organization of SMDRA’s home sponsorships and build days. One year he even recruited SMDRA volunteers for a full four-month home build. It was all worth it when he reflects back on what it meant to the homeowners.

“I remember a special home dedication where the kids literally did cartwheels in the living room. It was the first time in their lives they had their own bedrooms.”

Jim likes referring to his volunteer days as “Hammer Therapy Thursdays.” Even when times get tough, you can “swing a hammer all day and feel like anything can be overcome. It’s a very humbling experience and a great way to really appreciate what you have in life,” Jim shares.

Jim has taken the last 14 months off from volunteering due to the pandemic, but is excited to be back this spring.

“It was great getting back out on the construction site and helping with a kitchen demo on a renovated home. I plan to be back twice per month!”

Congratulations on this well-deserved Good Neighbor Award, Jim!

Learn more about becoming a Core Volunteer