Andrew Hodgson didn’t move to Utah for its mountains, to become an all-star skier or to join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Hodgson came to Utah for one reason and one reason only—Habitat for Humanity.

Hodgson, a 22-year-old Arizona native, said he wanted to be part of an organization that helps people achieve their dreams. In Utah County, Hodgson is helping residents get out of substandard housing and into new homes. 

As an AmeriCorps VISTA, Hodgson is working with Habitat for Humanity of Utah County on a new major project called ReStore. ReStores are retail outlets opened by Habitat for Humanity locations all over the country that sell new or gently used building materials at a reduced price. Local building companies and Utah County residents donate used and surplus building supplies that are then sold to the general public.

“Normally companies get rid of extra or used building materials by throwing them away, filling up the landfills,” Hodgson said. “By donating them to us, everyone benefits.”

Hodgson said the proceeds from the ReStore go to Habitat for Humanity to fund building projects and operating expenses.

 “The ultimate goal of the ReStore is to pay for all administrative costs and overhead of Habitat so that all donated money goes to families and building them new homes,” he said.

Hodgson has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in three different states in various positions. In recalling his first day on a building site, Hodgson said he had hit maybe 10 nails in his life before joining the Habitat for Humanity team. When he was at a building site, he always wanted to paint so nobody would see his mistakes. However, all of that has changed, and Hodgson said he is now confident and comfortable with a hammer and a paintbrush in any house.

“When you work for Habitat for Humanity, at the end of the day, wherever you are, you know you’re a part of one of the world’s most ambitious and successful nonprofit organizations,” Hodgson said. “Even if it’s frustrating or tiring or it seems like things don’t work and it doesn’t matter what we do here, you have to tackle large problems in small strokes. You can’t run a mile without taking that first step. And at Habitat, we try.  Even if we aren't changing the world, we are all trying.”