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Habitat For Humanity Honors Retiring Leader

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By MEGAN HUSSEY, Tribune correspondent

Published: December 22, 2007

One day, while driving to a job site in Moon Lake, West Pasco Habitat for Humanity President Al Couture and construction supervisor Jeanie Almo encountered a roadblock. As other drivers expressed impatience, Couture conveyed a different reaction.

"He got out of his car and gave the men holding the stop signs two bottles of water," Almo said. "It was then I realized that I was at a great place, that I could not have a better person to work for."

Couture was honored Dec. 12 at a retirement reception to celebrate his 14 years of service to West Pasco Habitat for Humanity. At the reception, attended by nearly 50 people, he shared his plans for retirement.

"I'll definitely continue volunteering for Habitat. I'll be out there building houses," he said. "This outfit got me hooked, and I'm going to stay hooked."

During Couture's time at Habitat, 16 Habitat houses were built throughout the west Pasco area. In addition, the agency has established a new headquarters at 3531 Grand Blvd. in New Port Richey.

A slide show presented at Couture's retirement reception displayed the many roles he played at Habitat. Photos showed him holding a hammer at a Habitat job site; manning informational booths at community events, on behalf of both Habitat and the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County; appearing at Habitat fundraising dinners; and shaking hands with local luminaries and Habitat supporters such as Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano.

"My favorite part of this job has always been building houses and giving them away," he said. "And all of the people I've met and friends I've made."

Attending Couture's reception were wife Carol Couture, West Pasco Habitat founder Betty Farmerie, numerous co-workers, and West Pasco Habitat homeowner Nancy Bevilacqua.

"I thank God every day for Habitat, and for Al," Bevilacqua said. "I don't know where I'd be if this chapter hadn't gotten going, focusing attention on this part of the county."

Maria Brandes, former vice president of and current volunteer with West Pasco Habitat for Humanity, agrees.

"It's such a blessing to have worked with Al," she said. "He's very inspiring."

In a reception presentation, George McCoy - the AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer who will become the executive director of West Pasco Habitat for Humanity on Jan. 28 - presented Couture with a plaque and airline tickets, courtesy of Habitat co-workers. He also introduced Couture's successor, attorney Jeff Herzog, who will assume his duties in January.

"We're glad that Jeff is coming aboard, and glad that Al will still be around," McCoy said.

Couture, previously an employee with the Department of Defense, always saw his work at West Pasco Habitat for Humanity as a chance to give back.

"I've always done good in the workplace," he said. "And the Good Book says that when you get something good, you should give some back."

AL COUTURE

SOME BACKGROUND: Al Couture was honored at a Dec. 12 surprise party to acknowledge his 14-year career with West Pasco Habitat for Humanity.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: West Pasco Habitat for Humanity, according to a related Web site, "is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat is dedicated to the elimination of substandard housing worldwide by working in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. The houses are then sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged."

A LITTLE HISTORY: Previously a Department of Defense employee who worked at the New Hampshire Naval Shipyard, he joined West Pasco Habitat for Humanity in January 1993.

WHAT'S NEXT?: During his retirement, Couture plans to continue as a volunteer with West Pasco Habitat for Humanity.

GET INVOLVED: For information about how to volunteer for West Pasco Habitat for Humanity, contact (727) 859-9038 or e-mail wphabitat@ yahoo.com.

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