Commentary by Cindy Benedict
I want to be like Lamar Ziegler. This powerhouse of energy is the linchpin in helping those in need with vital home repairs in at least ten communities here and globally.
Currently “semi-retired”, Lamar works all the time – two days are paid as a civil engineer for Evergreen Planners, and on four days he volunteers – on building affordable homes and home repair projects for those who can’t afford them. Growing up on a farm in Huntington, Lamar became handy and loves construction. He got involved in missions work over 40 years ago at Emmanuel United Methodist Church and began restoring homes in Oklahoma, Michigan and Appalachia, while helping local families from Emmanuel. Since then he has created livable homes in the United States, Brazil, Ecuador, Liberia, Mexico, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic.
I met Lamar through SERVE Noblesville and have come to understand how vital he is to these services in Noblesville. Lamar is the “first-responder” for many nonprofits that provide these services. Working only on owner-occupied homes, he meets the family and assesses if the project can be done with volunteers. He then partners with these nonprofits to accomplish an approved project: Emmanuel, Christmas in Action, SERVE Noblesville, Habitat for Humanity, and/or HAND. Frequently he coordinates several nonprofits on a single project. Working together, the job gets done, but only because Lamar is at its center.
Married for 44 years to Kay (who is also a big volunteer), Lamar discovered his calling years ago when he read the bible verse, Galatians 6:10: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people” and he thought of his cousins who inspired him by always helping others. He has never stopped helping. He told me that “the greatest reward is seeing people’s faces when they can fully use their home, like a gentleman who recently got hot water after 18 months without a working shower. That makes it all worth it.”
You can join Lamar in “doing good” June 24 through 27 with SERVE Noblesville. If you are handy and willing to do simple home repairs, be sure to register at http://servenoblesville.com/.
Cindy Benedict is the community engagement manager for the City of Noblesville. She may be reached at 770-2007 or [email protected].
