News And Stories
YouthBuild: Building Homes and Futures
The first YouthBuild crew began construction of a low-income family home in mid-May and has already made excellent progress.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 30, 2007. At that time, representatives of the crew spoke and crew members were presented with tool belts. Within the first few days of construction, the home and detached garage began to take shape. With the help of Urban Homeworks, Tree Trust's housing partner, completion of the project is expected by fall of 2007 when the non-profit organization will offer the home for sale at an affordable rate for a low-income family.
Crew Leader Nate Banker says he has witnessed a lot of change in the general work ethic and attitude at the site. He added that this is the first full-time job most of the youth have had. "The crew has made amazing progress," Banker says.
The crew of 8 youth, enrolled in the Minnesota Internship Center School (MNIC), can earn up to $6,700 during their six month full-time training. In addition, the youth will continue working toward earning their high school diploma with MNIC.
Crew member Mike Adams admits the experience is tiring but that it is, overall, a fulfilling one as well. Fellow crew member Brian Hayes, who plans to pursue a career in construction, says what keeps him motivated is "thinking about the change [the house] will make in some family's life and the happy faces."
Hayes says of the experience, "I love it. I'm learning some things I never knew before." Both Hayes and Adams mentioned they enjoyed learning about insulated concrete forms (ICFs), used in the home's basement. Hayes, with a wide grin, compared the way the ICFs fit together to his childhood LEGOs.
After completion of the program and their graduation from MNIC, the youth will have the skills and opportunities necessary to start a career. And just a few weeks into construction, they are well on their way. When asked what he hopes to see happen with the crew, Banker replied "I want to see them become men who are true men-men who treat each other with respect and become leaders. I want them to rise to new levels."
The YouthBuild program is funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding provided by HUD allows for a 12-18 month program for the young adults. This program includes pre-employment and citizenship training as well as their paid on-the-job training. The program was also made possible by the cooperation of Tree Trust, Urban Homeworks and the Minnesota Internship Center School.
Tree Trust
2350 Wycliff Street Suite 200
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 651-644-5800
Fax: 651-644-1469
