Featured Volunteer – Dave Barber

Dave Barber first volunteered for OHAAT in 2005. His church had recently adopted OHAAT as one of their ministries, and he was looking for ways to get more involved with mission outreach.

Over the past seven years, Dave has helped OHAAT move furniture into hundreds of homes, but there is one home in particular that he will always remember. “A woman, who was in a small, two-bedroom apartment on the fourth or fifth floor an old building, was getting several bureaus, beds, and some kitchen furniture. When we arrived, she and her boyfriend had to deflate their air mattress, which was the only piece of furniture they had, besides some boxes being used as tables and a small TV with a rabbit-ear antenna. She told us how grateful she was, because the beds we were bringing would allow her to get her kids back from child services. Without beds, she was not allowed to have them stay with her.”

Dave’s favorite part about OHAAT deliveries is getting to meet the recipient families. He enjoys seeing the excitement on their faces. “The kids are so happy and friendly and willing to help!” For Dave, deliveries are an opportunity to build relationships—to “get to know the families as more than just a name on a delivery list.”

When asked what advice he’d give a first-time volunteer, Dave replied, “Go into it with an open mind and without any preconceived notion as to someone’s situation. And don’t be afraid to have a conversation with the family, because it’s not only about delivering furniture but about building community.”