Habitat for Humanity Tucson is developing a solution to two of the most pressing issues facing Arizona, the lack of affordable housing and a growing need for skilled workforce in the trades.
The Connie Hillman Urban Construction Knowledge Center (CHUCK) serves as Habitat Tucson’s construction hub, warehouse, and training center. It provides job training and intern opportunities with real-world experience building affordable housing. The facility, located on property owned by Habitat Tucson in the Flowing Wells neighborhood features over 15,000 square feet of storage, classroom, and office space.
Creating a more compassionate and just world, Habitat for Humanity Tucson brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. The CHUCK Center brings together local industries, educational institutions, expert volunteers, and strong financial support to create a significant shift that will allow Habitat Tucson to offer a “hand up” to more families, removing barriers to opportunity.
building self-reliance
The trade fields, like construction, have seen a steady decline in skilled employees. As a generation of skilled tradesmen approaches retirement, not enough younger workers are trained to replace them. The CHUCK Center will be designed to include workshop, classroom, assembly, warehouse, and housing space for long-term volunteers.
Our vision is to empower aspiring tradespeople to build their careers locally.
working together
Our Workforce Development classroom is set for 30 students with 16 – 18 tables and equipped with technology.
We are currently holding classes in conjunction with Pima Community College (PCC) every Wednesday as part of the Building and Construction Technologies curriculum at PCC. Students receive for-credit lab hours for participation at the CHUCK Center.
By building a skilled labor force, our whole community will benefit from the CHUCK Center
The Workforce Center will create a pathway into the trades by exposing students to all phases of affordable home construction.
Maximizing resources
In support of developing a skilled workforce, the CHUCK Center provides Habitat Tucson with housing for Americorp Members and Caravanners. Through the federal AmeriCorps program, Habitat Tucson offers young adults (AmeriCorps Members) real-world work experiences and training. The AmeriCorps Members receive only a small stipend for their service, making living in Tucson impossible for most. Although Habitat Tucson has had several local Members join our team, many times positions have been left open due to the higher cost of living in Tucson compared with other eligible communities
Caravanners are Habitat volunteers who travel throughout the country in RVs. They come in teams to participate in different Habitat builds together. Previously, Habitat Tucson could not host Caravanners because we did not have space for RV hookups. With the addition of the CHUCK Center, we can harness this enthusiastic and uniquely skilled workforce.
Want to learn more?
Please fill out the form if you would like updates about the CHUCK Center or would like information about becoming a prospective student.
