In just a matter of weeks, Jefferson County's Community Boat Project (CBP) transformed the old cowshed at Short’s Family Farm into a new shop for students to learn trades skills, thanks to support from BIAW's Washington Home Builders Foundation.

Students, supporters and members of the community came together to celebrate the CBP Shop Warming on July 31 with food provided by BIAW and live music by Quimper’s Watch and Steve Eggers.

BIAW and its Washington Home Builders Foundation have supported the project for several years now. This year, the foundation provided a $3,735 grant to support scholarships for students participating in the group’s internship program.

The National Association of Home Builders supplemented the grant with an additional $1,500.

BIAW’s Raelle Vitali and Janelle Guthrie joined Jefferson County Home Builders Association President Lori Tschohl and Executive Officer Lizanne Coker to celebrate the shop warming and present the check to CBP Director Brent Bellamy.

Attendees enjoyed live music and pulled pork tacos while touring the new facility, including the shop and two tiny homes built to support the local nonprofit community housing projects.

Internship program builds skills

The CBP’s 12-week paid internship program combines leadership, teaching and organizational skills with technical woodworking expertise.

Interns create tiny houses, boats and murals, collaborating with people across generations from novices to master craftspeople. Interns learn from experts but also teach high school students, helping them gain valuable experience and a sense of ownership.

Graduates emerge better prepared for apprenticeships, trade school or direct employment which strengthens the local economy and builds a stronger community.

Interns learn, community benefits

The group’s community partner projects include:

·         Building farm and garden infrastructure with the Food Bank Growers Network to enhance local food systems

·         Constructing tiny studios for the Low-Income Housing Institute and Bayside Housing, and

·         Creating storage sheds for Habitat for Humanity tenants.

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