8th Annual Day of Service Event Welcomes Record-Breaking Volunteer Numbers with Habitat for Humanity

The 2022 International Code Council Annual Conference marked the eighth year for the Women in Code Enforcement and Development (WICED) and PermitTechNation (PTN) Habitat for Humanity volunteer event. This year brought record–breaking volunteer numbers and provided the opportunity to work on two separate building projects.  Thirty-seven volunteers from across the country mobilized to build two single–family homes that would provide affordable and safe housing for deserving families.

Motivated By a Mission to Serve Communities Across the Nation Through Habitat for Humanity

In 2014, the current past presidents of WICED Amber Armstrong and Eirene Knott altruistically came up with the idea to develop a volunteer event that coincided with the Code Council’s Annual Conference. Instead of just visiting for conference events, they believed it was important to give back to the local community within the host city. Armstrong and Knott chose to work with Habitat for Humanity because of the organization’s nationwide locations and their mission to help provide affordable housing to everyone around the world.  

After WICED’s first year with Habitat for Humanity, they opened the opportunity to PTN in hopes that with more volunteers they could make a larger impact nationwide. This year’s event indicates just how successful their collaboration has become. 

“WICED and PTN have created a unique and rewarding way to enhance the Annual Conference and the city in which it’s held. This volunteer opportunity provides attendees the chance to work closely with others from across the country in our industry and leaves an everlasting, positive memory to those who need it,” says Jessie Sorensen, Code Council Technical Staff, Colorado.

Building Strength, Stability and Self-Reliance Through the Volunteering With Habitat for Humanity

One of the building projects for this year’s Day of Service included a home that belonged to a large Somalian family who needed a safe environment to grow. The family was comprised of nine children between the ages of 1-11 and, with the help of 24 volunteers, Habitat for Humanity was able to provide the family with the opportunity to own their first home. The volunteers, along with the family, tore down an unsafe fence, dug new post holes and placed posts for the future fence. They also power-washed the home, installed a new mailbox and cleaned the yard of debris and weeds.  

Volunteers at this site included Kaylynn Brown, David Byl, Carolyn Chavis, Michelle Coward, Rick Dandan, Alfred DeCorte, Farrah Henderson, Melany Klemmer, Kecia Lara, Serena Locke, Scott McBride, Sandi Morris, Ceci Muela, Dawn Neil, Jammie Newsome, David Pimental, Wayne Pimental, Pete Rogue, Cynthia Somers, Jessie Sorensen, Bryon Tang, Cailin Tang, Jacob Trapp and Regan Trapp.  

“Not only are we giving back to the economy, but we are also giving back to the community,” says Christina Jackson, Senior Codes Compliance Inspector, Newport News, Virginia. “The excitement towards the Annual Day of Service heightens each year and continues to bring in new volunteers. As in our daily profession, it is rewarding to know you played a part in changing a neighborhood for the better with new development, new infill housing, or watching a distressed property be restored to safe housing. This volunteer opportunity allows me to share this rewarding passion with fellow women and men in our industry.” 

This year’s other building project was a new home for a family of three. The volunteers on this project spent the day repainting the house for the owner so she could have the dream color she wanted. This group was comprised of thirteen volunteers including Cary Frazier, Tela Gardner, Greg Gilbert, Christina Jackson, Paula Johnson, Eirene Knott, Maryia Antonia, Jesse Lether, Michele Linbarger, Steven Matiaco, Susan Mclendon, Nancy Springer and Angela Watford.  

“Every year interest continues to grow for attending this event and we are excited to have been able to make this expansion possible with the help of our sponsors and industry partners.  My personal goal is to encourage those who are unable to attend the Day of Service to find a worthwhile cause in their community and make their own impact. If we can make this happen, there is no doubt that we will all benefit across the country,” concluded  Michele Linbarger, Plans Examiner, City of Springfield, Oregon.

The 2023 Annual Day of Service will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, in October. Information on volunteer opportunities will become available as the date approaches, you can visit the PTN Events page to keep up to date on upcoming events.

WICED is an ICC Chapter that promotes the value and recognition of women in the arena of code enforcement and development. The Chapter was formed in 2007 to provide mentoring, advocacy and education to these women. 

PTN is an ICC Chapter that promotes the value and recognition of permit technicians as well as assists States that do not have a permit tech chapter with organizing an association or chapter. The Chapter was formed in 2016 to provide mentoring, advocacy and education for those in this position.