Housing Authority of Champaign County

Since 2020, the Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) has delivered the YouthBuild program for 84 youth ages 16-24 who have dropped out of high school and who are interested in pursuing careers in the trades. Participants of our YouthBuild program include those who have been incarcerated, who have a disability, who are migrants, who are in the foster system, who experience homelessness, and who are food insecure. These students are afforded an opportunity to receive a high-school diploma and certification in their trade of choice. Youth undertake a rigorous curriculum centered around the three pillars of construction, education, and leadership training. The program provides six months of classroom instruction, followed by a 12-month follow-up period where supportive services are provided to prepare them for further education or employment. While there are many YouthBuild programs throughout the United States and beyond, ours is one of the few that is managed by a Public Housing Authority. By offering this program through HACC, we have ready access to eligible young people and are able to address participants’ housing needs by offering them housing vouchers. In addition, program participants gain hands-on training by assisting with repairs and enhancements to our affordable housing stock. The YouthBuild program supports our mission to create and maintain quality affordable living environments and to help individuals achieve their fullest potential.