The Givens Foundation recognizes a remarkable member of the Givens Aldersgate community who has been honored with a North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for his outstanding contributions to Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region.

An active member of the Aldersgate Resident Philanthropy Engagement Committee, Dick Metzler has dedicated more than a decade of service to helping build affordable housing in Charlotte. He was recently recognized alongside four fellow volunteers as part of a team known as “Katie’s Regulars,” a group celebrated for its extraordinary commitment, teamwork and impact.

Katie’s Regulars have become an essential part of Habitat Charlotte’s construction operations, contributing 1,400 volunteer hours annually. Known for their flexibility and reliability, the group works wherever they are needed most, filling gaps across job sites and ensuring steady progress on critical housing projects.

Dick’s individual contributions exemplify this dedication. For 12 years he has volunteered consistently as a member of a construction crew, showing up week after week for full eight-hour shifts and stepping in wherever help is needed most. Over the past five months, he has focused on punch work — the detailed finishing touches that make a house move-in ready — demonstrating both patience and precision in completing essential tasks. His efforts have been instrumental in helping Habitat meet critical house closing deadlines, ensuring that several families were able to move into their new homes in time for the Christmas holiday.

Dick’s journey with Habitat for Humanity began in 1993, shortly after he moved to Charlotte. Invited by a fellow church member, he helped convert a former grocery store into Habitat Charlotte’s headquarters. Working alongside volunteers from his church, he soon became involved in annual building projects, taking on tasks such as framing, drywall, and painting.

After a first career as a scientist, Dick discovered a deep appreciation for construction work. “I liked the physical labor and seeing the results right away,” he said. “It also felt meaningful to help people in Charlotte who needed housing.”

As he began volunteering more frequently, Dick joined a group working regularly under the leadership of an experienced construction supervisor, Katie. Over time, that group developed into what is now known as Katie’s Regulars.

What began as occasional service evolved into a tight-knit team of highly skilled builders. Katie’s Regulars has grown into a dependable crew capable of tackling every phase of construction—from framing to final finishes.

This past year, the group demonstrated exceptional dedication by focusing on punch work, the detailed finishing tasks that are essential to completing a home but often overlooked by volunteers. While framing offers visible progress, punch work requires patience, precision, and a willingness to serve without recognition.

Dick has embraced these tasks with enthusiasm. While he has participated in high-profile builds —including the Jimmy Carter Work Project in 2023 —he particularly enjoys installing cabinets, molding, and fixtures that bring a home to completion.

Their sustained effort in this area proved critical in helping Habitat meet construction deadlines, allowing families to celebrate the holidays in their new homes— a powerful reminder of the impact of volunteer service.

What sets Katie’s Regulars apart is not just their skill, but their spirit. Unlike traditional crews with fixed schedules, they operate independently and adapt to the needs of each site. Their shared commitment has fostered a family-like bond, grounded in mutual support and a shared mission.

Katie describes them as “unmatched in their dedication”—a group that can be relied upon both on and off the job site.

The Givens Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dick and his fellow volunteers on this well-deserved honor and thanks them for their extraordinary contributions to strengthening communities across North Carolina. If you feel inspired by this story and want to support your neighbors, community, and the great work they are doing, please consider making a donation to the Givens Aldersgate Community today at https://aldersgateliving.org/donate/