Last year, The Agency NorCal’s Giveback Homes Build Day was back-breaking work. The project was in the early stages of phase one and the team spent the day performing heavy lifting, trenching, and shoveling—an exhausting but rewarding day at the office. This year, for the team’s second Build Day, they got to focus on the less physical, but equally fulfilling job of putting on the finishing touches.
In collaboration with Habitat For Humanity, The Agency’s NorCal team got to experience a new level of excitement as they were able to see the final stage of the houses’ transformation from construction projects to welcoming homes.
The houses the team worked on were made with sustainability in mind, designed to generate more energy than they use. And for the team members, that required some serious attention to detail. One group of volunteers sprayed the exterior of the buildings with a preventative treatment to keep insects at bay, while the rest of the team worked on tightening up the homes’ insulation, sealing even the tiniest gaps to maximize energy efficiency. Every task was completed with precision and care. This included insulating behind electrical outlet faceplates and sealing attic openings, duct connections, and windows.
This group of meticulous volunteers may not have needed to dig a trench this year, but their work was no less appreciated. Major thanks to: Jeff Samuels, Daniel Kindra, Vicky Alarcon, Trey Grissett, Agata Wardawy, Mark Choi, Jill Fusari, Brad Gothberg, Patty Barry, Jovani Ghorbani, Kory Madge, Keri Fryer, Carrie Shapiro, Dea Campbell, Carolyn Gwynn, Nicole Ferland, and Melody Johnson. Each person brought their energy and commitment to the Build Day, making the experience productive and memorable.
“Seeing the progress from heavy groundwork to these finishing touches is incredibly inspiring,” said NorCal’s SVP Regional Manager Jeff Samuels. “It reminds us that every step—no matter how small—contributes to the dream of homeownership for these families. It’s an honor to be part of something that will bring comfort, security, and sustainable living to our community.”
Even though the NorCal team swapped shovels for sealant this year, their dedication to making a lasting difference remained as strong as ever.
To learn more about The Agency’s ongoing charitable initiatives, visit TheAgencyGives.com. You can also contribute by shopping at The Agency’s online store, where 100% of the proceeds support The Agency Gives, helping make dreams of homeownership a reality for families in need.