2002-2003
In 2002, ILSR inaugurated its Washington, DC deconstruction training program at the Stanton Dwellings public housing complex, working closely with the DC Housing Authority and Just U Wait’N See CDC (JUWNS), a community development corporation serving the residents of the Stanton community.
ILSR provided screening and training guidelines to JUWNS to facilitate the selection, interview, testing, and hiring of trainees. Classroom style and hands-on training were begun in January 2002, and by March we had trained and employed 48 former public housing residents. Recovery rates ranged from 50-85% (depending on the condition of the buildings). Many of our trainees have now moved into full-time construction jobs off-site, and ILSR is coordinating with local unions and construction companies to place other trainees in permanent positions once the Stanton project is completed. In addition, some graduates have begun purchasing new homes being built on the Stanton site, translating their training into real investment.
