Kirkland resident Edgar Martinez joined Habitat for Humanity of East King County (EKC) for a home-building trip to his childhood home of Puerto Rico on Feb. 14-18.
“I had a great experience working with the team from Habitat for Humanity,” said Martinez. “They worked very hard for three days. It showed me the passion they have for the organization and the people they serve.” 
The Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico affiliate hosted the team of staff and volunteers from Habitat for Humanity EKC.
Although born in New York City, Martinez moved to Dorado, Puerto Rico in 1965 and attended American University of Puerto Rico before moving back to the states and being drafted to the Seattle Mariners. He currently lives in Kirkland.
This is Martinez’ second trip to visit Habitat for Humanity in Puerto Rico, but his first time helping to build a Habitat house. Last May, he joined Tom Granger, executive director of Habitat EKC and Amanda Silva, executive director of Habitat Puerto Rico and Board members in the groundbreaking event for their latest home-building project.
During his latest trip, he was joined by Habitat EKC staff and eight other dedicated volunteers from the Eastside. The group laid rebar for the second level of a house, setting wood formwork and helping the electrician and plumber with rough-in work.
Trip participants blogged about their experience in Puerto Rico at the Habitat EKC web site blog: habitatekc.blogspot.com/ during the trip.