Larry Brown Found Fulfillment in Retirement

When Larry Brown retired in 2010 and moved back to Harrisonburg with his wife, he was not looking to slow down. He was looking for a meaningful way to stay active, use his hands, and serve his community. What he found at Central Valley Habitat for Humanity exceeded that in every way, and over the years, his commitment has grown far beyond a single role.

Today, Larry volunteers on build sites, serves on the Board of Directors, and stands as one of Habitat's most invested advocates. He is not just someone who shows up to swing a hammer. He is someone who believes in the mission deeply enough to help lead it.

Expanding Our Ability to Serve

For Larry, what sets Habitat apart is not just the work itself. It is the philosophy behind it.

"It's a hand up instead of a hand out."

That simple distinction is exactly what drew Larry in and has kept him engaged at every level ever since.

As a volunteer, he contributes his time and skills directly to the families Habitat serves. As a board member, he helps guide the organization's mission, resources, and long-term direction. It is a full commitment, and one he makes willingly.

Time Is a Gift, Too

One of the things Larry is most passionate about communicating is that financial giving is not the only way to make a difference. In many cases, giving your time is just as valuable, and maybe more so. As someone who gives both his time and his leadership, he understands that Habitat's ability to serve families depends on people showing up.

He is also candid about where the need is greatest: more volunteers. Keeping the mission moving forward requires people willing to show up and work, and there is never quite enough of that.

You Don't Have to Be There Every Week

If the idea of volunteering feels like a major commitment, Larry wants to clear that up. Habitat is grateful for whatever someone can give, whether that is one day a month, once in a while, or whenever your schedule allows. Every extra set of hands moves the work forward, and at Habitat, that has never been more true. If a construction site is not your thing, the ReStore in Harrisonburg is another meaningful way to support the mission.

An Invitation From Someone Who Knows

Larry has seen Habitat from nearly every angle: as a builder, as a community member, and as a board leader. When he encourages others to get involved, it comes from all of those places.

"I couldn't urge anyone more fervently to come and take a look and perhaps become a part of something that brings you an awful lot of satisfaction, a feeling that you won't get any other way besides really being a part of it."

Whether you have a weekend to spare or a career's worth of leadership experience to offer, Central Valley Habitat has a place for you.