Local Volunteerism to Global Impact: Matt’s Story
Matt Heringer has worked at Delta for over 30 years and has been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati for more than 15 years. “What started as a volunteer day turned into something I really connected with,” says Matt. He continues to come back, even volunteering in his free time, because he has seen firsthand the impact of Habitat’s work across the globe.
Locally, Matt recalls volunteering for a 6 week build with Delta in 2010. “It was an entire workforce of Delta employees building a house from the foundation up.” The home was for a refugee family who had moved to America years prior and was living in a two-bedroom apartment. After weeks of working alongside the homebuyer and other volunteers, the home was complete, and it was time for the dedication. “I remember at that dedication day how [the homebuyer] had tears in his eyes. He was a proud homeowner [seeing] his dream come true of being able to support that family and to give them a foundation to start their lives,” shares Matt.
Matt has taken his involvement beyond Greater Cincinnati, volunteering in Atlanta and Mexico, and will soon travel with volunteers and staff from Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati to Cambodia where he will build for 5 days. “I was chosen to support Habitat’s Global Village in Cambodia and that’s a real exciting opportunity for me. That’s a life-changing experience. If you’ve never had the opportunity to go out of the country to volunteer, it’s an amazing experience. You get to build new relationships, see a culture across the world, and share your experiences and support with others.”
Seeing the lasting impact of Habitat’s mission inspires his continued involvement. He has worked with many families and encountered people in his life whose lives were changed by Habitat. “I was flying home recently and ended up talking with the woman sitting next to me, and she shared that Habitat in Florida was the reason she became a homeowner,” he shares. “It was such a powerful reminder that Habitat changes lives in a real and lasting way. Moments like that are what keep bringing me back.”
Matt is proud to work for a company like Delta that strives to create impact in the communities where they live, work, and travel. Since 1995, Delta and Habitat for Humanity have partnered globally to build or rehab nearly 300 homes across 13 countries. Delta has also sponsored or sent a team of volunteers to multiple Rock the Blocks in Greater Cincinnati, helping to improve the neighborhoods where Habitat is currently building. “I’m proud to carry on a tradition that was passed down from the generation of Delta leaders before me.”
