The Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity Community Committee is a dedicated, all-volunteer team that coordinates and executes a variety of community service projects throughout the year. The committee is led by three exceptional women: DeAngela White of Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Inc., Fredericksburg Alpha Zeta Chapter; Charita Mariner of the Xi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; and Dr. Elizabeth Freeman of the Fredericksburg Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.
The committee’s signature event is an annual day of service held in collaboration with local organizations on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity recently connected with these visionary leaders, who orchestrate the planning and coordination that bring together volunteers and community partners to ensure the success of these events.
The 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day service event successfully united nine community organizations and involved 91 volunteers. In comparison, the previous year’s event took place at Mill Park Terrace Apartments and the Mayfield Civic Center, engaging 81 volunteers from five organizations.
One of the committee members, DeAngela White—fondly known as Dee—emphasizes the importance of authentic support: “When we show up for each other—without strings—we build stronger, more human communities.” The presence of dedicated individuals like Dee, Charita Mariner, and Doctor Elizabeth Freeman exemplifies a profound collective strength and unwavering dedication. During conversations, each of these remarkable women expressed that their involvement with Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity has instilled hope and a renewed desire to effect positive change. Dee, who has been volunteering with Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity for nearly a year, reflected on her initial experience: “Looking back to my first time volunteering during the MLK event at Thurman Brisben Center, I was profoundly amazed to see so many groups come together simultaneously, sharing in giving back and uplifting not only the residents but each other across various non-profits. We became one community.”
When asked what initially drew them to Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity, Charita Mariner, a volunteer for over four years, articulated her motivation: “The reputation of Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity, and after doing some research, I couldn’t wait to become part of this great mission and witness how they bring people together.” She emphasizes that the essence of community, when truly examined, signifies unity. Charita views outreach and volunteering as expressions of love, stating that her faith-based approach aligns seamlessly with Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity’s mission. She describes her faith journey into the organization as entering “the welcoming doors of Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity Community Committee,” where she feels a sense of divine purpose and connection.
Dee describes her committee involvement as “action without agenda… you just do because the word no is just too easy. Volunteering isn’t about being a hero; it’s about being human.” Her perspective underscores the authentic, selfless nature of service that drives her engagement.
Doctor Elizabeth Freeman of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., shares a similarly heartfelt commitment. With over 20 years of active participation in Habitat for Humanity across various states, she explains her motivation: “I am firm in the mission to help single women and especially single mothers attain safe and sustainable housing. As a single woman myself, this mission resonates deeply with me.” She recalls a poignant experience from her volunteer work in South Carolina—helping a wife and her blind husband through the sweat equity process—highlighting the profound impact of providing families with a place to call home. As part of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., which has a dedicated Habitat for Humanity committee, she notes that their efforts have grown from an initial group of 6-15 members to a larger, more active team. Their work spans multiple states, involving stick builds and house rehabs, all aimed at transforming houses into homes. In 2022, their contributions extended to supporting Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore and participating in community events such as the MLK celebrations. By 2024, their projects expanded further, culminating in a significant involvement at The Thurman Brisben Center in 2025. Elizabeth emphasizes the spirit of sisterhood and shared purpose: “We have a sisterhood, a bond. You go into the community with conviction and solidity… no excuses, just get to work.”
In closing, Charita offered a reflective insight: “Volunteering and being part of the Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity Community Committee offers hope beyond physical needs. It is spiritual. Witnessing the moment when a homeowner receives the keys to their new home moves you in a way that makes it clear—you are helping transform lives and families for the better.”
As the interview concluded, each woman shared personal hobbies that reflect their passions. DeAngela enjoys volunteering wherever she can bring help, a smile, and genuine compassion—she humorously notes, “if you can count volunteering as a hobby, it is a form of creating!” Charita expressed her love for assisting the elderly and her passion for fragrances, even turning her enthusiasm into a successful business. Dr. Elizabeth Freeman spoke of her love for learning and her connection to books, which fuels her ongoing pursuit of knowledge.
Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity extends sincere gratitude to DeAngela White, Doctor Elizabeth Freeman, and Charita Mariner for their invaluable contributions and for sharing these inspiring stories. To learn more about how to support or volunteer with Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity, please visit our website. The organization’s impactful work is made possible by the loving community and dedicated team behind it. Thank you for your support.
—Lucy Pintouri-Godwin , Family Services Coordinator
