Frank Eckstein works here at the Balch on occasion. We are really enjoying having him here. He’s heading out to his first, and I’m betting not his last, humanitarian trip. It is the 2011 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project with Habitat for Humanity. Below is an interview I did with Frank. I really loved learning more about him!
~ Samantha
What is your work background?
I’ve been a contractor since the mid 80’s residential remodeling, new construction, project management, and construction consulting. I did a lot of remodeling and loved taking something old and bringing it back to what it was.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to go fishing, (we-Jeff & Samantha – were the recent beneficiaries of a beautiful trout!!), reading, volunteer work, chickens, and hobby farming.
Where do you volunteer?
I volunteered at wildlife rehab centers for 7 years in Estacada and Molalla, I’ve done kitchen work for Guide Dogs for the blind for 2 ½ years, volunteered with housing development doing deconstruction of some houses to reclaim usable materials (the Rebuild It center in PDX), and I play piano and do some children’s ministry at church.
What piqued your interest in this project?
Personally I have always wanted to go down to Haiti. It pulls at me because it’s such an impoverished country to begin with. I was actually homeless for a short while in my 20s. It’s a strong desire of mine that people should have place to live and food.
Why Haiti?
There is such devastation. (Please click this link to see why Frank is so passionate.) I have a personal desire to go there and combined with my skills and background it would be a perfect fit. I like Habitat (Habitat for Humanity) philosophy of sweat equity because we’ll be working with Haitians down there. Habitat trained over 1000 Haitians already in building construction. The families who are moving into houses I’ll be helping to build are participating building their homes. It’s similar to what they do here in the U.S.
How did you connect with Habitat for Humanity?
I’ve known about Habitat because I’ve worked around that organize during my work with non profits in PDX for 15 years. I’ve also been involved with affordable housing since the 1990’s.
Anyone you know going?
Nope.
Done like this before?
No. I was waiting until my son was raised and secure.
What does your son think?
He loves it. He did a blog on his Facebook page titled: “help send my dad to Haiti”. He also made me a Facebookpage. Of course I never go there. I’m not too much into the technical side of things. He set my Facebook up for me.
How do I look it up?
Whatever my page is. I don’t know anything about it. (I, Samantha, LOVED his answer!! “Whatever my page is.” Made me smile. I searched his name and up he popped! Frank is definitely NOT about the computer side. I came up with another Frank Eckstein and he was also holding a fish! If you search, it’s the older Frank who I’m interviewing here.)
How much money do you have to raise?
$5,000 (Frank has raised $3,300 so far. He has to have $4,500 by Oct. 15th then the remainder is due the end of November. Go Frank Go!)
What does this cover?
It covers costs from Atlanta to Haiti, food, and lodging. I have to Atlanta on my own.
How many volunteers will be there?
There will be 400 volunteers from all over the world.
How long will you be there?
The trip is 7 days and we’ll build 100 houses in 5 days. I’ll be running a crew down there.
(Now THAT’S an organizational Feat!)
Anything they tell you to do or not to do??
We HAVE to stay either at camp or building site for safety.
Are you going to try to sneak out?
I’d LOVE to. It’s a coastal town and I’d love to roam around but they’d probably send me home so I’ll be on my best behavior.
What have you done so far to raise funds?
I’ve contacted friends and family, promoted in the church community, volunteered to run the steak feed at Threshing Bee for 350 people, I’m selling my truck, and we’re working on putting together a Haitian fundraising dinner at the Balch.
How much do you need to raise?
$1700 left to go. I am more of a hands on guy and not great at fundraising so I am VERY open to ideas from anyone!! (Click here to donate.)
Jamie Snell owner of the Lamb’s Table will be catering a fundraising dinner for Frank on Sunday, October 23rd. Stay Tuned!
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