January 16, 2012
Nation's Building News

The Official Online Newspaper of NAHB

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Workforce Development
Former Prisoners Hone Home Building Skills, Give Back to Community Through HBI Program
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Former female prisoners in Harrisburg, Pa., are making a fresh start and contributing to their community by putting their newly learned building skills to work for residents in need.

Former prisoners in Harrisburg, Pa., are practicing their newly learned construction skills — and gaining self-confidence and job-readiness training — by helping families in need through a program offered by the Home Builders Institute (HBI), the workforce development arm of NAHB.

Administered under a contract with state and county government agencies, HBI teaches ex-offenders carpentry, painting, remodeling and other construction skills through Project TRADE (Training, Restitution, Apprenticeship, Development and Employment).

In Harrisburg, the HBI Project TRADE students rebuilt a front porch — partnering with Rebuilding Together of Greater Harrisburg, an affiliate of the national nonprofit organization that provides repair and renovation services to low-income home owners.

The students replaced tongue-and-groove wood flooring, installed new metal railing and completed the project by painting the entire porch. 

“The hands-on skills gave students varied practical experience, and the home owner was pleased with the results — which made it a positive experience for all involved,” said Amy Strawser, project coordinator for the HBI program in Harrisburg.

In addition, Project TRADE students will help weatherize homes for Harrisburg residents who have difficulty paying their heating bills. They’ll repair leaky windows, add insulation and apply other weatherization techniques to help the residents get through the winter.

“HBI students and staff appreciate the opportunity for hands-on training that serves the local community,” Strawser said.

HBI’s Project TRADE is a 10- to 14-week academic and hands-on residential construction training program that teaches job, literacy and employability skills. Students earn a Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate (PACT) when they complete the course.

“This program has taught me skills that I will utilize for the rest of my life,” said a female HBI Project TRADE graduate who hadn’t considered construction as a career until she entered the program. “It has helped me to build my self-esteem and taught me that this line of work isn’t only for men.”

Another graduate said the program enhanced her long-term prospects. “HBI Project TRADE has helped me to gain skills that I can use now and in the future,” she said.

Project Trade in Harrisburg is funded by grants from the Dauphin County Prison and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

For more information about HBI Project TRADE, email Dennis Torbett at HBI, or call him at 800-795-7955 x8908.

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