Hamilton, ON (September 17th, 2025)
When Judy Plantinga retired, she was looking for a meaningful way to give back to her community. Already a supporter of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, she saw volunteering as the perfect opportunity to support a cause she believed in while also learning new skills and meeting people from all walks of life. What she found was not only a chance to contribute, but also a welcoming community of volunteers, staff, and families united by the mission of building safe, decent, and affordable housing.
Judy’s journey with Habitat began nearly a decade ago, and her first build experience was one she’ll never forget. On Burton Street, she found herself tiling above a bathtub one day and pouring cement sidewalks in the rain the next. Since then, she’s lent her time and talents to numerous builds across Hamilton, including sites on Wickham Avenue, Wilson Street, Catherine Street, Sherman Avenue, the Waterdown townhouse build, and most recently, renovating offline Hamilton CityHousing units.
Her willingness to jump into any task – whether it’s framing, insulating, putting up drywall, installing baseboards, cutting trim, or helping with siding and windows – has made her an invaluable presence on Habitat Hamilton build sites. She laughs about the many extremes of weather she has worked through, such as laying sod in sweltering summer heat, installing fences in below-zero conditions, shoveling snow out of half-finished houses in winter, or sweeping out rainwater after a storm. Through it all, she reminds herself that every muddy boot and every sore muscle is part of something far bigger: helping families achieve the dream of homeownership.
Judy’s contributions haven’t stopped at the build site. She has also lent her time to support the selection process for families applying for homeownership through a partnership with Hab Hamilton. Hearing firsthand about the challenges and conditions that some families face has deepened her appreciation for Habitat’s mission and reinforced the urgent need for affordable housing in Hamilton.
Looking back on nearly a decade of service, Judy is grateful for the friendships she’s made, the skills she’s gained, and the sense of purpose that comes from working toward something so life-changing for local families. Her advice to anyone considering volunteering? It’s simple: “Do it!”
Judy, we are grateful for your dedication, resilience, and incredible spirit. Thank you for all that you’ve done, and continue to do, to help families in Hamilton build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.
Ready to start your volunteer journey with Habitat Hamilton? Click here to learn more.
