Project Skill Build

Although we first brought skilled volunteers to New Orleans in March 2009, our current model of PSB is still in the research stage. As we seek funding for our initiative, we have continued to research other models, the target community, and feasibility in depth to further strengthen PSB. After demonstrating that our model will successfully generate change in New Orleans, we hope to broaden our role as a community organization within the region. We would like to further support our participants by providing housing, teaching financial literacy, and funneling graduates into job opportunities. As earlier stated, we also want to establish PSB as a trusted community resource whose graduates offer free/low-cost home repairs for low-income households. In the long term, we also aspire to create an internship program for students that are passionate about sustainable models of social change. We hope that exposing the best and brightest students to the issues and their multifaceted solutions will inspire them to use their talents for serving others. During the March 2009 Project Skill Build trip, my co-founder and I accompanied three skilled builders to New Orleans to volunteer on a Habitat for Humanity building site. Essentially, we wanted to test our theory that skilled builders could make volunteer building efforts much more efficient. Our theory proved correct. The three skilled workers that we sponsored to volunteer were able to work autonomously on the site. They worked at a much quicker pace than any laymen and their knowledge allowed Habitat for Humanity site leaders to engage more effectively with other volunteers, essentially enhancing the overall production rate of the site. Currently, we are working with a lawyer to apply for 501 (c)3 tax-exempt status so that our organization will be a recognized non-profit.