Vocational Youth Training Program Builds Showers for the Homeless
This summer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin partnered with Homes 4 the Homeless, Sonoma County Probation Department, Santa Rosa Police Community Outreach Officers, California Department of Rehabilitation, and Farrow Commercial Construction to provide a unique job opportunity to local youth.
The Vocational Youth Training Program was designed to inspire youth for careers in construction and the trades, and to also benefit those people most vulnerable in our community. Ten Sonoma County youth, including multiple members of the Clubs’ REACH Program, learned from skilled craftsmen and built two portable ADA-compliant bathroom and shower units for the homeless. The REACH Program is a gang intervention and targeted re-entry program that helps young people feel competent, useful, develop a sense of belonging, and have influence over their lives as they leave juvenile hall or probation.
“This partnership is an incredible opportunity for these kids and we're thrilled to be part of the pilot program,” said Michelle Heery Edwards, Executive Vice President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin. “It’s a true win-win - Not only will these units provide support for those in-need, but is giving our local youth a chance to gain work experience, give back to the community, and receive a potentially life-changing education in the construction trade.”
Licensed contractors led the curriculum, which included Cal/OSHA guidelines and multiple sub-trades in the construction field. In addition, the Clubs’ REACH staff and the founder & CEO of Seekhaven collaborated to offer classes on time management, among other life skills. Two different sessions were held over the summer at the Sonoma County Probation Camp in Forestville.
The modular shower/bathrooms are intended for use at sanctioned encampments for the unsheltered. Attending to personal hygiene needs is one of the best ways to help restore confidence and dignity to those living on the streets. One of the completed units was on display at the recently completed Sonoma County Fair.
“So many stepped forward to help with this program,” said Steve Schneider, CEO of Homes 4 the Homeless. “Special thanks to the many instructors from Farrow Commercial Construction, Sonoma County Probation Camp, Seekhaven, Summit Electric, Pacific Plumbing & Fire Protection, Gotelli Plumbing, and Total Image Painting.”
The program has also received wide support from local business and construction communities, including Mead Clark Lumber Company, PACE Supply, The Home Depot, Sonoma Paint Center (Benjamin Moore), Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Mechanized Solutions, Boomerang Plus, Sonoma County Regional Parks, Golden State Lumber, Stockham Construction, and Moore Painting & Roofing.
The restaurant and food community have supported the project as well, including Chick-fil-A, Bad Ass Coffee, Mi Ranchito, AdoboS N’ More, Old Chicago Pizza, Mary’s Pizza Shack, Lombardi’s BBQ, El Roy’s Mexican Grill, Petaluma Creamery, Oliver’s Market, Molsberry Market, Chicago Pizza with a Twist, Crumbl Cookies, and Sam’s Market. Additionally, Jimmy Maestretti Catering catered a graduation event at the Sonoma County Probation Camp on August 5th. For the full list of donors, visit homes4thehomeless.org.
“The Sonoma County Probation Camp has been excited to host this project and engage with community partners to afford community youth an opportunity to explore the construction trades and give back to their community in a meaningful way,” said Melissa Segura, Probation Camp Director.
Following the success of the pilot program, Homes 4 the Homeless is looking to expand the program throughout the country in an effort to help those without shelter help themselves through job training, and providing opportunities for a career that will boost the workforce and the economy. Curriculum is currently in development with the help of General Contractor John Farrow from Farrow Commercial Construction and their instructors, Greg “Guido” Giannini and Shawn Codina, with the help of Matt Crosbie (SRPD).
