Experience Over Everything: Project Rebuild and Habitat Team Up for New Canton Home

(This story has been updated to fix an inaccuracy.)

CANTON − Habitat for Humanity builds homes.

Project Rebuild helps young adults acquire construction skills along with their high school diplomas.

It seems like a natural partnership. So, why haven't the two nonprofits teamed up more often?

The answer is a little complicated, but they may have it figured out.

A crew of young adults from Project Rebuild/YouthBuild Greater Stark County is helping to construct a new home in NE Canton thanks to phone call from Project Rebuild CEO Joanna James to Habitat East Central Ohio CEO Beth Lechner.

It marks the 673th home built by the Habitat chapter since its founding in 1988.

"One of the issues is we have to have houses sponsored, and most organizations who are sponsors come with volunteer labor," Lechner said. "In the past, we would have liked to be able to utilize Project Rebuild, but we didn't have space to do that, though we see great need for students. Ninety-four percent of contractor companies lack labor."

James said that in order to have projects for their students, Project Rebuild has been purchasing and rehabbing homes, acting as the main contractor.

"As the prices rise, the opportunities have narrowed," James said.

James said it prompted her to call Lechner. The result was Project Rebuild redirecting some of its funds to co-sponsor a Habitat home, thus ensuring that her students would be able to work on the project.

Habitat CEO: 'This is a win-win-win'

"It wasn't anything new. It was just, 'How do we make it work?'" James said. "It's been very popular, and amazing for our young people."

Lechner said Habitat is happy to help students develop credentialed skills that will benefit them in the future, noting that Project Rebuild students have worked on previous homes.

"Experiential learning is everything," she said. "This is a win-win-win. We're hoping it sparks some attention on affordable homes for families, while helping kids gain valuable experience in the building trades; tangible skills that will make them employable."

In Ohio, the shortage of trade workers is acute. According to the Associated General Contractors of America :

• 94% of Ohio construction firms are struggling to fill some or all positions, with 85% actively seeking workers.
• 70% reported that workforce shortages are leading to project delays, surpassing the national average of 61%.
• 85% reported that available candidates are not qualified to work in the field.

'It's a really nice connection'

Mi'Shell Booth, 19, said she learned about Project Rebuild from a McKinley High School Marching Band director who thought it might be a good fit for her.

"So far, I'm really liking doing framing," she said. "I love using tools. I love swinging a hammer. It's amazing, especially since the homeowner is on-site. It's a really nice connection."

Lechner noted that Habitat also works with the Massillon City Schools' Construction Trades program.

"They're doing great," Senior Project Manager Drew Grant said of the students. "They're learning what they like and don't like about construction, which is a big step. We offer them opportunities to do various tasks, finding out what they enjoy, and what might keep them in the industry. Plus, they're having a lot of fun."

Xavier Kendig, 19, is a full-time site supervisor with AmeriCorps, having completed the Project Rebuild's nine-month curriculum and his high school diploma.

"It's about being able to see your work from start to finish," he said of construction. "I like doing decking and framing. Once I move on, I'd like to go on to (learn) heavy equipment."

Amanda Ortenzi, who is purchasing the home, said she is grateful for the students. As part of their purchase agreement, Habitat homeowners are required to contribute "sweat equity" toward building their homes and others.

"It's been so much fun," she said. "I also get to talk to them about the volunteer work that I do. For me, it's always been about young people being the future, so anything I can do to help them, I will."

James said it's an important part of their education.

"It's not just about skills, but it's also about deepening their connections to their community," she said. "It's important to give them an opportunity to give back."

Lechner said Habitat East Central Ohio has eight homes under construction within its service area, with a goal of completing 25 new houses in 2025.

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com .

On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: 'Experiential learning is everything.' Project Rebuild, Habitat team up on new Canton home