Retired Men Volunteer Weekly to Build Homes for Habitat for Humanity

A group of retired men in Wentzville, Missouri, known as the "Wednesday Crew" spend their free time building homes for those in need.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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At a Habitat for Humanity build site in Wentzville, Missouri, a group of retired men show up every Wednesday to volunteer their time and skills to construct homes for families in need. None of the men have backgrounds in construction, but they find fulfillment in giving back to the community and helping provide affordable housing. The group, known as the "Wednesday Crew," includes 79-year-old Bob Schmidt and 84-year-old Gene Speckhals, who has been volunteering for 27 years and has helped build 100 homes.

Why it matters

In a time when many retirees are looking to relax, this group of men has chosen to stay active and make a tangible difference in their community. Their dedication to the Habitat for Humanity mission highlights the positive impact that volunteerism can have, especially among the retired population.

The details

The Wednesday Crew is made up of retired individuals with no prior construction experience, but they have found a sense of purpose in building homes for those in need. Tony Bradbury, the director of construction for Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County, notes that the group's camaraderie and enthusiasm for the work are invaluable. For some, like Gene Speckhals, the build site has also provided a sense of community and healing after personal loss.

  • The Wednesday Crew has been volunteering at the Habitat for Humanity build site in Wentzville, Missouri every Wednesday for nearly three decades.
  • Gene Speckhals, an 84-year-old volunteer, has been part of the Wednesday Crew for 27 years.

The players

Bob Schmidt

A 79-year-old volunteer with the Wednesday Crew.

Gene Speckhals

An 84-year-old volunteer who has been part of the Wednesday Crew for 27 years and has helped build 100 homes for Habitat for Humanity.

Tony Bradbury

The director of construction for Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County.

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What they’re saying

“The way I look at it, if you sit and watch the TV all day, you're going to waste away.”

— Bob Schmidt, Volunteer

“They work together. They get along with each other … and it's a great organization to work for (and) volunteer for.”

— Gene Speckhals, Volunteer

“The happiness you could see in the families that got these houses was amazing … and that really made me feel good knowing that I had something to do with building this thing for them.”

— Gene Speckhals, Volunteer

What’s next

The Wednesday Crew plans to continue volunteering at the Habitat for Humanity build site in Wentzville, Missouri every week, helping to provide more affordable housing for families in need.

The takeaway

This story highlights the power of volunteerism and the positive impact that retired individuals can have on their communities. The dedication and camaraderie of the Wednesday Crew serve as an inspiration for others to find meaningful ways to give back in their golden years.