
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, February 5, 1991                   TAG: 9102050111
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

HABITAT HAS NEW DIRECTOR

Coordinating some 300 volunteers does not seem to worry Fred Dodson, the newly elected executive director of Habitat for Humanity, the New River Valley's non-profit home builder.

"Working with so many volunteers can be tough, but I've learned that getting people into the giving spirit really makes a difference," said Dodson, a Martinsville native who lives in Blacksburg.

Dodson, 24, moved to the New River Valley last month from Boone, N.C. After receiving his psychology degree from Appalachian State, Dodson worked as director of Hospitality House, a homeless shelter in Boone, for two years. It was while he was there that Dodson learned about homelessness.

"When people are in a really bad situation - such as a lack of housing - they look for help," Dodson said Monday during his first day on the job. "Agencies really need to be aware of that and they need to try harder to help these people out."

One way an agency can help, Dodson said, is by assisting the needy with such little things as filing forms. "We take for granted that everyone knows how to read and write," Dodson said. "We can't assume that people know all we know."

Interviews for the job began in January after former executive director Kathy Rayne announced she'd be devoting full time to SHARE Virginia, a food distribution program that, like Habitat, operates through New River Community Action. Rayne was directing both programs.

A half-dozen people were interviewed for the Habitat job. Dodson's "strong background working with those in need" made him stand out, Rayne said.

"He's going to be a great asset in further development of the Habitat program," Rayne added.

Community Action director Terry Smusz said she was excited to have someone who can give his full attention to Habitat. "It's an important project and I'm looking forward to what direction it will take with this kind of support," said said.

Dodson does not believe his youth will hinder him in his new job. He thinks it will contribute stamina that he'll need for the long hours ahead. Habitat has built six homes in the valley and is finishing a seventh.

Dodson hopes to increase the building, which is for families with at least $600 per month in income who can put $300 down and who can do 750 hours of service for Habitat. For information on Habitat for Humanity, call 382-6186.

by CNB