Volunteer Contact: Volunteer Desk (650)568-7342 volunteer@peninsula habitat.org More Profiles Home Jo Ann Damiano Volunteer Profiles Jo Ann Damiano Construction Volunteer Jo Ann Damiano knew about Jimmy Carter and his work for Habitat for Humanity International, but had no idea that Habitat was helping families right here in San Mateo County. Then Peninsula Habitat for Humanity (PHfH) came to her church in San Carlos. Jo Ann learned there was a real need for affordable housing everywhere, but particularly in the Bay Area. "It's almost a crisis," she said. Damiano signed up with fellow church members to participate in a one-day, group build in Redwood City, and really enjoyed the experience. However, Damiano didn't know she could sign up as an individual volunteer until a year later when she received a letter regarding different PHfH volunteer opportunities. Six years and four building projects later, Jo Ann still volunteers twice a week. She spends one day at a construction site and the other in PHfH's office. "I really like the variety," said Damiano. "It's not just about the construction or entering information into computers. I can work with the families, help in accounting, or be a greeter. There are lots of different opportunities." In addition, volunteering with PHfH gives Jo Ann a sense of purpose. She says PHfH not only builds homes and improves families' lifestyles, but it also helps creates better neighborhoods and communities. After six years of building homes, attending women's build workshops, sitting on committees and going to housing dedications, Damiano said seeing families get keys to their homes is still the icing on the cake. "When you see kids getting their own rooms, it's really exciting," Jo Ann said. "At one home dedication, PHfH asked me and two other regular volunteers to stand with the family as they got their keys. That was really a high point because it felt like 'job well done.'"