Marilyn Hughes, March 2010 Habitat Hero

Marilyn (left) hugs new homeowner Stephanie Austin while Stephanie Moreno and Tracy Lawson look on. Stephanie and Tracy are also former Habitat Heroes.

Marilyn poses with members of the Hilton team in March of 2008.

Q & A with Habitat Hero Marilyn Hughes

1. How long have you lived in Memphis? Since 1992.

2. How long have you volunteered with Habitat? Since 2007.

3. What kind of activities have you participated in during your time as a volunteer? I got started volunteering with Habitat through my work at Hilton Worldwide. Hilton has been sponsoring Habitat builds for years so I jumped in the first chance I got which was the spring build in 2007. I’ve participated every spring and fall since then.

4. What kind of activities have you participated in during your time as a volunteer?

Volunteered on all house builds and attended the receptions to meet the families
Served on the Annual Luncheon planning committee
Attended 2009 Annual Luncheon
Attended 2008 Tool Box Bash
Attended Home Team Huddle parties and receptions
Hosted a giant Home Team Huddle event at Hilton in 2010
Participated on the planning committee to obtain a Whirlpool grant
Participated in a focus group for the Nonprofits for Excellence program
Participated with Hampton Brand home makeover where we completely furnished home
Participated with Hilton Hobby Helpers in making scrapbooks for the new homeowners for the past two years
Sewed 60 tool aprons for the 2010 Women Build
Made two personalized bulletin boards for one of the families

5. Do you have a favorite Habitat moment you would like to share? My favorite experience was working with the Hampton brand team at Hilton to fully furnish one of the homes. It was an incredible experience to be part of making someone’s dream of home ownership come true in such a unique and surprising way. I wasn’t able to be there when they surprised the family but I saw a video of it and it was the most wonderful thing ever. Everyone in the family was screaming and crying but the best was seeing the mom on her knees by her bed in prayer because she was so grateful and happy.

6. Why do you volunteer your time with Habitat? Because I believe everyone deserves a safe and affordable roof over their head. Habitat provides that for those that are willing to do the work to make home ownership a reality for themselves and their family. I love the mission. I love the staff. I love the work.

7. Do you have any personal details you would like to add (where you work, what do you like to do on your free time, etc.)? I am passionate about breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness and want to do all I can during my life time to help people to develop the life skills and to obtain the education needed to make a better life for themselves.