Long Time Volunteer Takes on Third Work Project

Bill Turner is no stranger to the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. When President and Mrs. Carter came to the Twin Cities in October 2010, Bill began his third Work Project; he had already participated in one in Houston, Texas and another in Americus, Georgia. “They’re great projects,” Bill reports. “They’re very intense and a lot of fun.” This time around, Bill will take on the role of house leader, helping to oversee construction and volunteers on a home in North Minneapolis.

Bill has been a long-time volunteer with Twin Cities Habitat; he estimates that he has worked on over 100 homes in 19 years. Now 86, he works steadily with the Dakota Crew, a group of 25 regular volunteers. Bill says that the crew has worked all over the metro area, including Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Chaska, Chanhassen, Prior Lake and Jordan.

Bill especially likes working on rehabilitated houses, which he’ll continue to do in North Minneapolis with other Work Project volunteers this October. In spite of the surprises that often come with working on rehabs, Bill admits that he appreciates the challenge. “I like rehabs. They’re fun,” he says, smiling. “When it’s done, and you walk away, it’s a nice house again.”

Though Jimmy Carter and Bill Turner bother are in their 80's, neither is showing any signs of slowing down. Bill acknowledges the importance of keeping active and busy, well into retirement. “You can’t settle down,” Bill says. “You have to keep going as long as you can.” Bill is looking forward to his years to come with Habitat. He says with a grin, “They’re stuck with me for awhile.”

Contributed by Margaret Scott