Young Workers Building Homes in Walker Square

Milwaukee Christian Center recently marked the completion of its 14th YouthBuild home, constructed in the Walker Square neighborhood.

Though construction began in November 2014, the project was put on hold due to unfavorable weather until July 2015, when YouthBuild framed the house. “Each house presents its own unique situation that we have to face,” said Floyd Hopkins, construction site supervisor for MCC.

“The YouthBuild program provides young adults, age 18-24, with education and hands-on construction training while building homes for low- and moderate-income families,” said Patrick Schrank, director of programmatic services at MCC. He added that YouthBuild members work toward attaining their GED and industry credentials, learn basic construction skills, and serve their community by building homes and performing additional volunteer work.

Mayor Tom Barrett, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, and MCC Executive Director Karen Higgins were among those who spoke at an open house to unveil the building on Aug. 17.

After seeing a previous house built by YouthBuild, Julio and Diana Velos made an offer on the house before it was even put on the market. Their old residence is only a couple of blocks away from their new home.

Milwaukee Christian Center’s YouthBuild Program collaborates closely with YouthBuild programs at Northcott Neighborhood House and the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, with support from Employ Milwaukee (formerly the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board) and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Young adults who are facing challenges in attaining and maintaining employment and are interested in a career in the construction industry are encouraged to apply for YouthBuild by calling (414) 645-5350.

Milwaukee Christian Center’s YouthBuild Program is a partner of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal government agency.

This story was originally published by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, where you can find other stories reporting on fifteen city neighborhoods in Milwaukee.