HBI Military Students Help Repair Veteran Homes

Earlier this month, the Home Builders Institute (HBI) transitioning military students participated in Fayetteville Area (N.C.) Habitat for Humanity’s “Serve, Honor, and Build” Veteran’s Day Build Event.

HBI carpentry students from Fort Bragg, N.C., along with Habitat volunteers, worked on renovations and repairs for two homes owned by military veterans. The repairs were at no cost to the veterans. HBI’s transitioning military students regularly work with local Habitat groups to give back to their communities and veterans in their communities.

“One of the ways to give back to veterans is to ensure that when the transitioning military comes out, they have a skill that can give them purpose and a career path,” said Ed Brady, HBI President and CEO.

Preparing transitioning military students for a career in construction is one of HBI’s core programs. As a result, HBI partnered with The Home Depot Foundation (THDF) to develop specialized trades training programs located near 10 of the largest military installations in the nation. Supported by a 10-year and $50 million THDF commitment, this initiative is a part of the Foundation’s long-term $500 million investment in veteran-related causes. Each of the 10 programs provides certified trades training and produces qualified graduates.

With the approval of their chain of command, transitioning servicemembers in each region served by an HBI training facility can participate in the cost-free, 12-week program; the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge program does not require military or GI Bill funding. During the program, servicemembers spend up to 75% of their time in hands-on training, earn professional certifications and receive job placement support.

After completing the HBI Transitioning Military Program, students are fully trained and certified to work in a construction trade. HBI provides job placement services for military and veteran students and has a job placement rate of 89%. To learn more about the program, visit hbi.org.