Job Site: Arnet Street (project #2)


During the 1986-87 school year, a pilot expansion was implemented. A "handyman special" house was purchased, a vocational instructor was hired, and selected students renovated the house under the supervision of the instructor. Students received an hourly rate and developed skills in areas such as installing sheetrock, spackling, wiring lights and outlets, and plumbing toilets. The program proved very popular and resulted in some students successfully entering the job market.

Prior to the 1987-88 school year, it was decided to add to the off-campus program by building a new home (pictured above). A lot was purchased next to this initial project and a house plan was selected that allowed for pre-fabricated exterior walls. This type of building was selected to allow our staff and students to "get our feet wet" and to get "under roof" quickly. Work was resumed in the fall of 1988 and completed in the spring of 1989. This home had three bedrooms and two and a half baths, along with a one-car garage, a walk out patio, and a brick fireplace. This first new home sold quickly and was a huge success. The program was very successful and long before the year ended, planning was initiated to expand the program.