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.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics
Mar 16, 2026
Builder Sentiment Inches Higher but Affordability Concerns PersistBuilder sentiment inched up in March even as builders continue to express affordability concerns stemming from elevated construction costs and shortages of buildable lots and labor.
Advocacy
Mar 14, 2026
Trump’s Executive Orders on Housing Would Ease Affordability CrisisPresident Trump on March 13 issued two executive orders on housing to remove regulatory barriers and provide better access to mortgage credit that will help ease the nation’s housing affordability crisis.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Mar 16, 2026
Builder Sentiment Inches Higher but Affordability Concerns PersistBuilder sentiment inched up in March even as builders continue to express affordability concerns stemming from elevated construction costs and shortages of buildable lots and labor.
Economics
Mar 16, 2026
Small Gains for New Single-Family Home SizeNew single-family home size had been falling since 2015 in response to declining affordability conditions. An exception occurred in 2021, when new home size increased as interest rates reached historic lows. However, as mortgage interest rates increased in 2022 and 2023 and affordability worsened, demand shifted back toward smaller homes.
Economics
Mar 13, 2026
Flat Conditions for Open Construction JobsThe number of open positions in construction in January was flat year-over-year, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down measurably from three years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.