Building New Lives in Florida

Former drug users often find themselves behind in schooling and vocational training. Many lack the skills needed to thrive in today’s job market. Part of the mission of Phoenix House is to arm our residents with professional and personal skills so that they can lead rewarding, drug-free lives. In Citra, Florida, Phoenix House residents are benefiting from a new and already successful vocational training partnership with the HomeBuilders Institute of America (HBI), the educational arm of the National Association of Home Builders.

HBI’s well-developed curriculum teaches real world trade skills to men and women in the workforce. There is an ever-growing need for skilled workers in the residential construction trades, particularly in a high-growth state like Florida. Thanks to HBI’s program, supported by the Florida Department of Corrections, men and women in treatment at Phoenix House are being taught these valuable skills by industry experts.

While some of the training takes place on-site at the Phoenix House Citra treatment center, program participants hone their skills working on projects in the community. Through this partnership, Phoenix House residents help local charities such as Habitat for Humanity with construction work -- giving back to the community while developing their own trade skills. “The HBI program has helped me put my life in focus. I now have goals and a real future for myself,” said Brandon, a program participant. “This program has taught me the meaning of the word team.”

Program graduates receive an industry-recognized certificate of competency, a set of standard construction site tools, and connections to the National Homebuilders Association’s vast network of employers.