HabiCorps Kickoff 2022 – Meet & Greet with the Trainees!
Welcoming the 2022-2023 HabiCorps Workforce Trainees!
On a chilly morning in November, the quiet neighborhood around Ward Street was filled with the sounds of friendly chatter as Habitat Chesapeake staff, government partners, and neighbors gathered to meet the 2022 class of HabiCorps Workforce Development trainees as they began their daily work.
The HabiCorps Workforce Development Program trainees, a group of 8 individuals, are just beginning their 10.5 month program during which they’ll learn construction skills, carpentry, landscaping, management principles, and so much more. HabiCorps is an AmeriCorps program, offering a living stipend and benefits to trainees while they learn skills and help Habitat Chesapeake build homes throughout the Baltimore region.
Today, HabiCorps trainees were just laying down floor coverings in the upstairs bedrooms of 1158 Ward, preparing the rooms for a fresh coat of paint. Taping down floor coverings, they filled the upper floor of one of the rowhomes, which sports three cozy bedrooms and a bathroom. One trainee, Rashaad, eagerly explained how he was cutting shelving for the closets with as little waste as possible.
HabiCorps trainees are contributing to a long commitment of service in the Pigtown neighborhood, a Southwest Baltimore community where Habitat Chesapeake has built or renovated dozens of homes since 2007, primarily on the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Ward Street. HabiCorps trainees are kicking off their training inside 3 new-construction townhomes, 1154-1158 Ward Street, which are across the street from 2 fully renovated homes that are currently waiting to be matched to homebuyers.
“It’s honestly a family. At the end of the day, we’re looking out for one another,” said HabiCorps graduate Carlos, who came back to meet the new trainees. Carlos now works with BGE.
“That’s why I’m here — to come back to let people personally know that you can do it. It takes time, it’s a process, but keep going. Especially with all the different connections that Habitat has with different donors and programs, you can definitely succeed with HabiCorps.”
Welcome HabiCorps trainees: Keith, Manny, Rashaad, Frazer, Malachi, Rodney, and Zior!
Upon graduation, trainees receive an education grant to help support further training or career aspirations. Past graduates have gone on to begin apprenticeship programs, work with BGE, or start their own businesses.
HabiCorps is an AmeriCorps workforce program and as such, all HabiCorps trainees are AmeriCorps members. Nationwide, AmeriCorps has over 250,000 members and trainees, serving in communities for a variety of organizations. In completing this program, HabiCorps graduates join a network of experienced service members with a legacy of impact in their communities.
Interested in HabiCorps? Visit habitatchesapeake.org/habicorps to learn more about the program & learn how to apply!
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About Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake (www.habitatchesapeake.org) brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Since 1982, Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake has built more than 780 homes in 19 communities, providing a brighter future for 2,700 children and family members. Homeownership is proven to transform lives – improving health, increasing children’s chances of academic success and offering an opportunity to build wealth across generations. Likewise, homeownership enhances neighborhoods by bringing tangible investment, engaged, long-term residents, rising property values and a sense of community.
