Constructing Hope reopens with larger space, outreach
Constructing Hope, a job training non-profit that helps people of color, returning citizens and low income folks gain construction skills and job placements, is celebrating the expansion of its workforce center at 405 N.E. Church St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Constructing Hope, job training non-profit rooted in Portland’s historic Black community, is celebrating the re-opening a workforce training center this week after expanding the facility to accommodate larger class sizes and more job training spots.
The renovated building at 405 N.E. Church St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard can now accommodate up to 160 trainees annually. The public got a look inside during tours on Tuesday.
The mission is rebuilding the lives of disadvantaged men and women in our community by providing job skills training and education in the construction industry. The primary populations served include people of color, returning citizens, and low-income adults looking to gain skills to access a career in construction paying a living wage.
Constructing Hope has placed over 1,000 graduates into apprenticeships in trades including carpentry, plumbing and masonry dating back to 1995.
“The trades don’t have to be a last resort, there are plenty of opportunities out there for people of all ages, backgrounds and skill sets,” said Avon Bailey-Hall, a graduate of the program.
Another graduate Cicely Davis added, “The program also put me in a good position by making me more versatile. When I graduated from the pre-apprenticeship program and went into my first full apprenticeship, earned my superior’s trust, and wasn’t afraid to advocate for myself, I was able to transition into carpentry as I originally planned.”