Being an active member of your community and springing into action can take many forms. After volunteering with Habitat for a little over two years, Jacob Lesley, a Clemson University Junior from Easley, SC, has pursued an internship in construction and has been working in this position for the previous four months.
At Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, every home built is more than just brick and mortar— it’s the beginning of a new chapter for families working toward a better future, helping to shape an environment of stability.
Habitat for Humanity appreciates all forms of support whether through volunteer work, project or financial contributions, the best part is that you don't need years of experience to make a difference.
What started as volunteer work, quickly developed into a passion for addressing the affordable housing crisis in his community. Even though the learning curve has been steep, it has promised much reward.
“The biggest challenge I run into daily is my lack of experience [which] can lead to having many questions throughout the day about how to perform a task more efficiently.”
Even in the face of uncertainty, Lesley was never alone. “Overall the job is very collaborative… [and the team] works very hard to make sure everyone is on the same page and has the tools and materials needed to continue working throughout the day.”
Habitat is always prioritizing encouraging all skill levels to contribute to making a difference. This supportive environment is what makes Habitat unique. No matter your skill level or expertise, there is a place for you on the build site.
Habitat’s mission extends beyond hammers and nails — relationships make up the foundation of every project and clear communication is key for a job of this nature.
“We make a lot of phone calls, message with each other, as well as [have] weekly Tuesday lunch meetings. I [also] spend about 3-4 hours a week in meetings [and completing] office paperwork. The rest of my time is spent across our three different job sites.”
“Jacob has had a major impact on our organization,” says Kevin Parris, PCHFH Construction Coordinator. “He’s been essential in managing three active build sites, assisted in the oversight of volunteer groups of up to 80 participants, leveraged his strong academic background to introduce new and improved construction practices, and even developed a long‑term construction model for our newest home site.”
A daily log helps the team track their progress across job sites and prioritize their tasks. Habitat also has a partnership with Pickens County Career Center students to do trades work on job sites, which requires even more collaboration.
“[This partnership] allows us to prioritize by making sure they have what they need to continue work as well as keeping the house moving along.”
When asked what skills are essential for succeeding in the role on a daily basis, Lesley didn’t hesitate.
“A positive attitude and the ability to work with other people who may not be as knowledgeable [are important] since we do work with volunteers [and] often you have to be patient while teaching.”
Habitat for Humanity inspires growth in more ways than one. Not only does Habitat’s mission enable families to afford their own homes, but it also allows volunteers like Lesley to discover an unknown passion.
For Lesley, this internship has opened doors and built confidence. “The biggest growth opportunities I have seen are the ability to lead scheduled operations on a job site [as he could be] running a crew of volunteers or working alongside Construction Coordinator, Kevin Parris, to get the job done.”
Lesley’s story is proof that anyone can make a meaningful difference. Through volunteering, you are not only making a positive change for the future of your community, you are giving yourself an opportunity to discover new skills and experiences, which could change the trajectory of your life.
“I really enjoy my work with Habitat and how it has allowed me to grow not only as a person, but as a construction professional.”
Whether you’re swinging a hammer for the first time or a seasoned professional, Habitat for Humanity offers an opportunity to create lasting change — for the community and yourself.
