E komo mai, Edcel Kamlley!
This month we welcome Edcel Kamlley, our newest AmeriCorps member, to Honolulu Habitat’s volunteer department! In his role as AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Edcel will help recruit, train and recognize the volunteers who make our mission possible. Be sure to say hello the next time you stop by or call our volunteer office!
Who is Edcel Kamlley?
Just a regular guy that was born in the small town called New York (representin’ Brooklyn) and molded in another small town called Oakland CA. I’m not named after the worst car to ever come out of Detroit, the Ford Edsel. I’m the combination of “Ed”ilberto and Ce”cel”ia Kamlley. Best way I’ve been described by my closest friends is a Renaissance man. Jack of all trades but master of none.
Why Habitat? What inspired you to join AmeriCorps and support our mission?
My grandfather made me watch a presidential debate when I was very young. That was the debate between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter. I vividly remember the kindness that radiated from Jimmy Carter and have always been a fan of his. Service is encouraged in my family so I felt it was just a natural fit.
What are you looking forward to most in your upcoming service year?
I’m looking forward to getting to know the people I work with, feed off the positivity, and hoping to make just a little bit of a difference. I hope to learn all I can about Hawaiian Culture and accomplish the gift of giving back like only Habitat can.
What does home mean to you?
It’s super cliché, but home is where the heart is. It doesn’t always mean where your mail is sent. Growing up, home was on the football or baseball field, a boxing ring, a dance circle / cypher, but always with those that mean the world to me.
What are some fun facts about you?
I’m a master of dad-jokes, useless knowledge extraordinaire, and will always be an anime nerd. I also have 3 fur babies – Genji (doggo and destroyer of electronics), Clarice (Russian Blue Princess), and Verbal (Siamese spoiled brat).
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is the federal agency connecting individuals and organizations to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges.
AmeriCorps focuses on these key areas to make an impact: economic opportunity, disaster response, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families. Every year, more than 270,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers are placed with organizations across the country.
In partnership with local Habitat organizations, Habitat places AmeriCorps members to serve in a variety of roles to increase Habitat’s ability to build homes, engage communities, build capacity and increase productivity.
