Green New Deal Housing's mission is is to develop equitable zero energy housing and a green collar workforce in the Arrowhead region. You haven't seen a lot of communication from us recently, but we are working hard behind the scenes to drive toward this mission. We hired Melissa Hellerud in June as our first program director and full-time staff. Melissa has over 15 years of experience directing nonprofit programs, including a background in construction training programs, and she is a licensed general contractor.
After completing our pilot home, we have turned our focus to remediating several lots we own in the Irving neighborhood. They are contaminated with multiple toxins and not suitable for residential use until we are able to clean them up. You can learn more about this project here. We expect that this is where our next net zero energy homes will be built.
We are also upgrading our Green Construction Training program. Melissa is working through the process to become certified to teach Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3). MC3 is an industry-recognized credentialing program for pre-apprentices. In addition to green construction training, participants learn worksite safety, construction math, blueprint reading, CPR/First Aid, and more to prepare them for construction apprenticeships.
An element of this shift in our training program entails building relationships with local unions and the Building and Construction Trades Council. We are working with with these entities to ensure that our trainees have the skills employers want to see when they hire apprentices, helping green construction practices to spread more broadly among entry level trades professionals. We are also working closely with other local nonprofits to recruit participants with low incomes and other barriers to employment.
You can join us in our continued work to build a green collar workforce by making a donation for Give to the Max Day. Early giving has already begun, so please give today. Your support now is an investment in the long-term sustainability and broader adoption of green construction practices. Over time, this will infuse the local trades with individuals whose knowledge of their field is grounded in green construction, furthering a transformation to a renewable, sustainable society for us all.
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