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Habitat ReStore Volunteer Debbie Hill: ‘I always feel my hands are God’s hands’

Debbie Hill drove past the Habitat for Humanity Williamsburg ReStore a few times before she decided to go inside and introduce herself to the staff.

“Are you looking for volunteers?” asked the South Carolina transplant.

Hill started volunteering shortly after that and, 12 years later, continues to dedicate her time three mornings a week to the ReStore operated by Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg.

All proceeds from ReStore sales go toward building homes, communities, and hope.

“I love their mission,” Hill said. “I love the people I work with and the customers who come in. It’s just a great, great place to volunteer.”

You’ll find her in housewares, making jewelry to sell, or in the back, cleaning and pricing items.

“We are so blessed in the community to have the type of donations we have,” Hill said.

It’s not unusual for Hill to find Waterford crystal or Noritake and Lenox china while digging through a box of donations. Sometimes she’ll sort through a box and discover sterling silver housewares. Many items turn out to be antique collectibles.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Debbie and her husband, Fred, moved to Williamsburg to be closer to his mother. In addition to raising three sons, Debbie spent 27 years working as a veterinary technician.

For some of her career, she was at the same practice as Fred, a retired veterinarian. They opened their own large animal practice in Palm City, Florida, shortly after they married.

“We serviced horses, cows, goats, llamas, pigs, cattle. We did it all,” Hill said. They sold the practice to move to South Carolina, where they focused on small animals.

“I loved being a vet tech,” she said. “The technicians were the heart of the practice. I enjoyed the animals and the clients, and I enjoyed surgery. It was fulfilling for me.”

Hill also finds her volunteer experience rewarding, particularly given Habitat for Humanity’s mission.

“I learned what Habitat was about and what it meant to the community and to people purchasing affordable homes,” she said. “That’s everybody’s dream – owning their home. I always feel my hands are God’s hands. By that, I feel like I’m doing that work to help these people buy a home. It’s very gratifying, and I enjoy every day I go in.”

Hill is a beloved Habitat volunteer.

“It is great to have someone like Debbie around,” said Kimmy Montoya, Volunteer Coordinator for the Williamsburg ReStore. “Her positive attitude makes a difference in creating a welcoming environment. The positivity doesn’t stop there; it extends to her style, too! Her earrings are a conversation starter and a way to bring more energy to the group.”

In many ways, the volunteer work is like therapy to Hill.

“Getting out, being with people, showing kindness, listening to their stories and their needs and their wants makes me feel like I’m giving back,” Hill said.

Though she had heard of Habitat for Humanity most of her life, she didn’t know the details about the First-Time Homebuyer Program, which helps families build strength and stability through homeownership.

Hill has attended a few of the home dedication ceremonies where homeowners receive the keys to their new Habitat houses. 

“I cry at every ceremony,” Hill said. “To see them and their families get a home is so wonderful.”

Celebrating 40 Years of Impact

Debbie Hill’s volunteer work with the Williamsburg ReStore is just one of many stories that showcase the power of Habitat for Humanity. Its mission draws people in and transforms them into ambassadors for the cause of affordable housing for all

As Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg celebrates 40 years of building homes, communities, and hope, we’re sharing 40 inspiring stories of the people, families, and organizations whose lives have been changed through this work.

Volunteers like this play a crucial role, but the impact wouldn’t be possible without generous donors as well. Whether you give your time at the ReStore, support home builds, or donate furniture, every contribution helps create decent, affordable housing for those in need.

Stay tuned for more stories of transformation, and if you’re inspired, consider joining our mission—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Because together, we’re building more than homes. We’re building hope.