search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube instagram Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • TOPICS
    • Cool Roofing
    • Event News
    • Latinos in Roofing
    • Low Slope
    • Legal
    • Metal
    • Project Profiles
    • Roofing Supply Pro
    • Roofing Safety
    • Steep Slope
    • Sustainable Roofing
    • Technology
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Best of Success
    • Contractor Profile
    • IRE Show
    • Roofing Contractor of the Year
    • Top 100
    • Young Guns
    • State of the Industry
    • Century Club
  • MULTIMEDIA
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Interactive Spotlights
    • Roofing Quizzes
    • IRE Videos
    • Webinars
    • Photo Galleries
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products
    • Featured Products
  • COLUMNS
    • Editor's Note
    • Exit Planning
    • Legally Speaking
    • Safety Advice
    • Technical Details
    • Guest Column
  • EVENTS
    • International Roofing Expo
    • Webinars
    • Best of Success Conference
    • Industry Events
  • DIRECTORY
    • Associations
    • Distributors
    • Manufacturer/Supplier
    • Business Services
    • Get Listed
  • MORE
    • Roofing Contractor eNews
    • RC Store
    • Roofing Supply Pro
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Company Spotlights
    • Classifieds
      • Auctions
      • Business For Sale
      • Business Opportunities
      • Equipment For Sale
      • Positions Available
      • Products
      • Safety
      • Software
      • Services
      • Training
    • Contact Us
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Advertise
      • Media Kit
      • Editorial Calendar
      • Contact
    • Archive Issues
  • SIGN UP!

Damato of the Day Is... "Being There"

By Rick Damato
Damato of the day blog feature
November 21, 2011

More than 20 years as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer did not fully prepare me for this experience. Nearly thirty years of experience as a freelance writer is no help as I attempt to describe the indescribable. Words, at least my words, can scarcely begin to give you an idea of the things I experienced recently in Haiti.

The adventure began in April this year when, with the help and encouragement of my wife, Kay, I accepted an invitation to join the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project (CWP) with Habitat for Humanity in Haiti. The challenge was not just to show up for a week to build, but to raise funds and awareness of both the project and the plight of the people of Haiti as they continue to recover from the devastating earthquake that rocked the country Jan. 12, 2010 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Haiti_earthquake).

Thanks to many good friends and associates and a couple of fundraisers that my Kay instigated we did raise nearly double our goal. Many of those good friends are readers and my associates at Beacon Roofing Supply and supporters of our efforts here at Roofing Contractor; I cannot thank you enough. Others include the good folks at our church, Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, and patrons of the Aurora Theatre who purchased artwork dedicated to this cause. So now the “raising awareness” part begins.

Fast forward to Nov. 5, when the construction leadership team arrived the day before another 400-plus volunteers would descend upon an encampment staged by Haven Partnership (http://www.havenpartnership.com/). Haven is an NGO based in Ireland that has been working in Haiti for several years. Staffed mostly by their volunteers, Haven set up tents and provided shower and sanitary facilities while preparing and serving three meals per day for around 700 people. An amazing feat and no doubt inspired by training from the Irish military. Haven hosted the CWP following a week when they staged their own building project the week before as they built the first 50 homes in the Santo project in Leogane (pronounced LAY-o-gahn).

But before arriving in Leoagane the experience of being in Haiti began as the plane descended toward the runway of the airport. The first thing I noticed was the pollution spilling into the sea. It appeared to come from the mountains and turned what would be the typical turquoise you see surrounding many Caribbean islands into what looked like chocolate milk. Next, as we came in over farm land I noticed what looked like a river from a distance but as we came closer it looked more like a scar on the land tearing aimlessly across farms and roads. It seemed to be caused by flood waters coming off the hills raging out of control. It was surreal seeing everything around it looking nice, green, and peaceful, only to be ripped through by flood waters that lacked any kind of control.

“Out of control” fashioned my first impression of this country. Beginning before the plane landed (this was my first trip to Haiti) and continued in the arrival at the airport and the ride to Leogane. The arrival at the Port-au-Prince airport and the bus ride were both punctuated with Haitian flavors. The airport was hosting all of one arrival and there were no other planes visible on the tarmac. That struck me as odd for a country with a population approaching 10 million, but I knew there was much for me to learn about this land and its inhabitants.

So as you can tell by now there is much to tell about this one-week trip. And I will attempt to tell it over the coming months by way of this blog and in a feature being planned for the February 2012 issue of Roofing Contractor. I promised the many contributors to my participation in the CWP that I would give them a full report so it will be done. And don’t worry… I will get to the roofing part soon.

KEYWORDS: Habitat for Humanity

Share This Story

Rick damato update
Rick Damato is the editorial director of Roofing Contractor. He has held a number of posts in the roofing industry since 1974 and has contributed to the magazine since its inception in 1981. He can be reached at 770-331-7858 or on Twitter @RoofsByRick.
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Blog Topics

Damato of the Day

Guest Blog

Recent Comments

Justin Bieber’s purple hoodie is an iconic piece...

It's fascinating to see how virtual trade shows...

This update is a game-changer for flat...

This is a timely conversation for residential...

Safety is No1

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Sign Up for the eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Roofing Contractor audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Roofing Contractor or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • An overhead view of a residential block
    Sponsored byCBIZ CompuData

    From Spreadsheets to Strategy: How Roofing Companies Can Transform Financial Operations

  • Snow Guard Solutions for Metal Roofs by S-5!
    Sponsored byS-5!

    Safeguard Your Building: How Snow Guards Prevent Costly Roof & Property Damage

  • A hand holding a wooden block that reads 'EVOLVE'
    Sponsored byWatercress Financial

    Embracing Change: A New Era for the Roofing Industry

Popular Stories

Agentes de ICE arrestaron a casi una docena de empleados de una empresa de techos en Lowell, Massachusetts. Los arrestos son parte de una redada federal más amplia contra la contratación no autorizada y las violaciones migratorias en Boston.

ICE Redondea a Equipo de Techos Afuera de Boston

QXO CEO Brad Jacobs will share the company’s strategic vision today at the Wolfe Research Global Transportation & Industrials Conference in New York following its acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply..

QXO’s Brad Jacobs Charts Growth at Wolfe Research Conference

Florida has become the focal point for construction-site raids, attracting national attention and altering labor dynamics throughout the industry.

Florida Emerges as the Epicenter of ICE Raids

Roofing Contractor Webinar

Events

December 3, 2025

The Premier Roofing Conference: Best of Success

Join roofing professionals from across the nation at the 2025 Best of Success conference, the ultimate destination for roofing professionals seeking the latest industry insights and networking opportunities. Pick up strategies for critical challenges like workforce shortage with innovative solutions, explore the latest advancements in roofing technology and sustainable practices, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders on navigating the evolving roofing landscape.

View All Submit An Event
×

Be in the forefront of the roofing industry!

Join thousands of professionals today. Shouldn’t you know what they know?

JOIN NOW!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing