Edward “Eddy” McKinnon, a 25-year-old native of Guyana, is Builders Care’s new construction manager.
McKinnon crossed paths with Builders Care Executive Director Justin Brown through HabiJax.
McKinnon had been working at HabiJax through a grant, which once it was completed, HabiJax was not able to offer him a permanent job.
However, they had been so impressed by the young man, they were on the lookout for a good position for him.
“When I met Eddy, the recommendation from HabiJax was well borne out,” Brown said. “He was everything they said he would be and more. Eddy is knowledgeable and laid back, amazing with volunteers. We were in need of a project supervisor and Eddy has demonstrated himself to be the perfect fit.”
Builders Care had just received a grant from Volunteer America to help repair homes damaged by Hurricane Irma, and Brown needed help managing volunteers.
McKinnon’s experience included following his father on construction jobs and working for a property management company in Jacksonville when he was not able to continue working for HabiJax. That was the practical plumbing, electrical and carpentry work that was so valuable for Builders Care projects.
McKinnon hit the floor running, Brown said.
“His first day in the field, he was overseeing 25 volunteers,” Brown said. The following week, he was managing 80 volunteers. He operates on the assumption, ‘the more, the merrier.’”
Brown said Eddy is the type of supervisor who will step in and work alongside the volunteers, and if they leave before the job is completed, McKinnon will keep working to get as much done as possible.
“My dad was in construction,” McKinnon said. “I would go with him, and he taught me a lot about construction as I was growing up. I saw at an early age the impact that having a home has on a person – a safe, comfortable place and a place to gather with family and friends. Everyone needs a home.”
Working for HabiJax reinforced McKinnon’s early discovery that if he wanted to have an impact on people’s lives, for him it would be in construction.
At HabiJax, new homes are built for individuals who might not otherwise have one. Applicants for a HabiJax home are educated about the financial responsibilities of homeownership and they are required to invest many hours of sweat equity before they take the keys to a new home.
Working with Builders Care has given McKinnon an appreciation for restoring older homes, renovating them and making them safe, comfortable dwellings. Whether new homes or restored homes, working in construction seems to be his path to making a difference in the world.
“I can have the most impact on individuals, communities and even the world by helping provide housing to all people,” he said. “I studied architecture and where I am now, what I’m doing now is giving me a better understanding of what people and communities really need in order to build stronger families and a sense of being part of the larger community.”
Brown said McKinnon is ready to take on more responsibility. He has begun working with subcontractors, and Brown wants to see him become more involved in the planning process, budgeting and the management of the project that takes place before the project can even begin.
“We have found in Eddy someone with a solid foundation, an eagerness to learn and a heart for helping people,” Brown said. “He is the person we need.”
To volunteer, make a donation or for more information about Builders Care, call Justin Brown at (904) 727-3443.
Your donations make it possible for Builders Care to continue helping our most vulnerable neighbors attain what so many of us take for granted – safe, comfortable homes. Your donations also are necessary to support adding staff, such as Eddy, to give our clients the best possible service.
Visit www.builderscare.org to donate and learn more about Builders Care.
