It seems that construction news has been absolutely dominated Coronavirus related content for the past few weeks – and for good reason. I’m trying my best to not to make that my only focus right now, as the constant barrage of negativity is not a great thing to focus on. We need to be prepared to know how to handle the situation, but there’s also room to highlight some positive things.
Last year, I attended two different construction technology conferences: Procore’s Groundbreak and Autodesk University (AU). At each, they had a different keynote speaker that lead some amazing humanitarian efforts through the construction industry. Jake Wood, the CEO of Team Rubicon spoke at Groundbreak and Elizabeth Hausler, CEO of Build Change, spoke at AU.
Both were incredibly inspiring speakers and both had extremely humbling goals to help people through some very tough times. Hearing both of them speak made me realize that there are many companies and non-profit organizations out in the world that are helping people through construction, and I wanted to highlight their stories.
Team Rubicon
Jake Wood, CEO of Team Rubicon, speaking at Groundbreak 2019
Team Rubicon (TR) not only provides disaster relief for domestic and international natural disasters, but they also primarily employ military veterans to carry out the missions. Other than the fact that veterans have skills that are perfect for relief situations, TR also hopes to give these men and women, who are transitioning from military to civilian life, a new sense of purpose and identity after their time in the military. During Jake Woods’ speech at Groundbreak, we heard several inspiring stories from members of TR that thanked the organization for saving their life.
In addition to responding to hundreds of natural disasters across the US, including flood damage, tornados, and fires, Team Rubicon is also actively involved in COVID-19 relief. In conjunction with the US Department of Health and Human Services, TR is running a makeshift medical center in Santa Clara, California. Their volunteers are also assisting in delivery services for food insecure areas and support for those in quarantine or neighbors in need.
For more information about Team Rubicon, visit their website https://teamrubiconusa.org/
Build Change
Elizabeth Hausler, CEO of Build Change, speaking at Autodesk University 2019
Through their expertise in designing disaster-resistant home and schools, Build Change is on a mission to greatly reduce human and monetary damages caused by building collapses during earthquakes and typhoons in emerging nations.
Build Change is currently working in Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia, Nepal, and the Philippines to carry out their mission of safe housing for all. The organization also partners with local engineers, architects, builders, and governments to not only create jobs, but also make a lasting impact on building code enforcement and construction practices.
For more information about Build Change, visit their website https://buildchange.org/
Habitat for Humanity
Perhaps the most well-known construction related humanitarian organization in the US is Habitat for Humanity. I’ve spent many weekends throughout my live volunteering on housing projects through Habitat, as I’m sure many of the contractors who read Construction Junkie have, as well.
Habitat has a simple mission: to ensure everyone has a decent place to live, Through partnerships with people throughout the world, Habitat provides and advocates for affordable housing for those in need. Alongside volunteers, Habitat Homeowners help in the construction or renovation of their home and are set up with an affordable mortgage.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity, visit their website https://www.habitat.org/
HomeAid
Created in 1989, HomeAid specifically focuses on helping America’s homeless population through housing projects and community outreach. In addition to providing housing for those in need, the organization’s HomeAid WORKS Program provides technical construction training, education, and job opportunities for those that need them most.
HomeAid currently has 19 chapters across the US serving 12 different states. In their 31 years, they have built over 550 projects, which have housed over 335,000 people thanks to the help of thousands of volunteers and industry and financial partners.
For more information about HomeAid, visit their website https://www.homeaid.org/
Know of Another Construction Humanitarian Organization?
If you know of another construction-related humanitarian organization, please let me know by emailing shane@constructionjunkie.com
Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.