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Dan Kegley/Neil Castrodale, president of the Smyth County chapter of the Fuller Center for Housing, stands on the foundation of what will become a home for a local resident who wouldn’t likely have such a house otherwise. 

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A race to build homes for community’s low-income residents

By STEPHANIE PORTER-NICHOLS/Staff

Neil Castrodale doesn’t want to build palaces. He does, however, want to help construct simple, decent homes for the community’s poorer citizens.
“For every house you build, there’s one less family living in substandard conditions,” said the president of Smyth County’s Fuller Center for Housing chapter.
To further the cause, the nine-year chapter president will soon don a pair of running shoes just as he has for the last decade. Castrodale organizes and runs in the annual Fuller Center 5K Fun Run/Walk.
This year the May 10 event is sporting a different name as the group of local housing advocates made an affiliation switch from Habitat for Humanity to the Fuller Center for Housing last December. Castrodale explained that the local chapter believed the change would best allow it to focus on remaining a housing ministry as opposed to addressing corporate pressures from Habitat.
The desire to address local housing is a driving force for Castrodale. “There’s a lot of need right here in Smyth County,” said the Marion man, who will mark his 25th anniversary with General Dynamics later this year.
In 1996, it was those needs that prompted him and his wife, Susie, to attend the first meeting of people considering forming a local Habitat chapter.
The premise of building homes for low-income families without a profit and providing a no-interest mortgage appealed to Castrodale. He said he also liked the idea of working side-by-side with the future homeowners as they invested sweat equity into the house. “There’s a real sense of satisfaction in giving someone a home,” he said.
The local organization has completed six houses in Smyth County and has two under construction, one in Marion and another in Konnarock.
Bill Baldwin, who organized the first exploratory meeting for a local chapter, credits Castrodale with much of the organization’s success. Noting that the couple attended the first planning session, Baldwin said, “They haven’t missed a step since.”
Baldwin described Castrodale as a man who leads by example. “He is compassionate yet thorough and is by far the most efficient organizer I have had the pleasure of working with.”
“His tireless efforts are a motivating force for all who work with him, and to Neil and his family all credit is due for the success we have experienced. His tireless dedication is matched with his enthusiasm in completing whatever he sets out to do,” said Baldwin, who also remains active in the chapter’s work.
Baldwin noted that after running in the chapter’s first Fun Run, Castrodale accepted leadership of the project, which has become the organization’s signature fund-raiser.
Castrodale described the 5K event as a good fitness and community event. He noted that individuals ranging from hard-core runners to walkers cover the 3.1-mile route, which begins and ends at Marion Baptist Church.
While he enjoys running, Castrodale doesn’t put himself in the hard-core group. He still laughs about a race several years ago during which he was passed by a young mother pushing a baby-stroller equipped with racing wheels. “She passed a lot of people,” he noted with a grin and shake of the head.
Castrodale also extends his admiration to older runners who are still competitive. He spoke fondly of Nancy Rhudy, who at 84 years old raised $2,000 through her participation in the 2005 Fun Run/Walk.
Noting that the materials for each home typically cost between $30,000 and $35,000, Castrodale acknowledged the importance of the event, which normally brings in about $10,000, primarily from sponsors.
While encouraging people to support and participate in the Fun Run/Walk, Castrodale also urged them to consider volunteering with the Fuller Center chapter. “We always need volunteers,” said the organization’s president, who explained help is needed with duties ranging from fund-raising to construction and family support.
“You don’t have to be a skilled carpenter,” said Castrodale, who added the only requirements for volunteer service are “a good attitude and a willing heart.”
He appreciates the organization’s board members and volunteers. “People’s time is so limited. To get a volunteer who sticks with it is a precious commodity…. We’re grateful,” said Castrodale, who knows something about community service. In addition to his housing work, he serves on the Chamber of Commerce board and has worked with Big Brothers-Big Sisters and Boy Scout Trooper 93. The Marion Baptist Church member said he enjoys giving back to the community.
He and Susie, married for 23 years, have two college-age children.
As he talks about the Fuller Center chapter, Castrodale gives no indication of wanting to slow down, but rather offers ideas for increasing fund-raising and the building pace, including seeking grants to pay for a full-time executive director.
For now, his attention is focused on the May 10 5K event, which begins at 9 a.m. Anyone who would like more information may call Castrodale at (276) 783-7537.

Smyth County Fuller Center for Housing 2008 5K Fun Run/Walk
Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m.
Marion Baptist Church, 1258 N. Main Street
Rain or shine
Entry fee: $15 with race T-shirt, $10 no shirt
Pre-registration closes May 3. Race-day registration begins at 8 a.m.
Trophy and $100 cash prize will be awarded to the overall male and female winners; $50 cash prize will be awarded to the first-place age 60 and older (male or female) winner. Division awards will also be presented.
For more information call 783-7537.