Another key partner, Habitat for Humanity, has provided students with some of the best hands-on training available in the industry. Project CRAFT students helped to build two Habitat houses this summer and are framing nine others this fall, which should be completed on Nov. 23.
“Project CRAFT has brought together the home building industry and the best of its construction skills training with justice, education, mental health, workforce development and entrepreneurial professionals, to name just a few,” said HBI trustee Jerry Strebel, who has been involved with the program since its inception and was on hand to discuss the talent and resources that are making it a success.
“These partnerships have given this pilot program some real wings,” Strebel added.
Since Project CRAFT/Nashville began operating in September of last year, 38 young men have completed HBI’s construction craft training and 33 have gained employment in the building industry at an average hourly wage of $8.53.
Funding for Future Sites in Peril
Although the Nashville project has been funded, the opportunity of replicating it at other sites is in peril.
The U.S. House of Representatives has provided no funding for the Youthful Offender Demonstration program, although the Senate included $54 million in its Labor, Health and Human Services and Education funding bill.
Discrepancies between the two bills are currently being worked out in conference.
NAHB sent a letter to the conferees last week expressing support for HBI's Project CRAFT and for continued funding of the Youthful Offender program at the Senate's recommended level.
For more information, e-mail Dennis Torbett at HBI.
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