Since 2020, Just Housing has focused on creating green housing solutions and training the workforce needed to build them. As a small, two-woman operation, Karmaker says Just Housing’s partnerships in the Arrowhead Region are essential to laying the groundwork for change. Which is why, when dreaming up the EmPOWERment Project, Just Housing turned to CERTs for support.
Northeast CERT Coordinator Nik Allen says the partnership is a natural fit for CERTs support and locally identified needs.
“In the northeast we absolutely need an energized, incoming workforce in this industry,” she explains. “Just Housing is known in the Duluth area for their high-efficiency buildings. So the CERTs’ Seed Grant committee was really excited about this proven, woman-led venture teaching local youth and community about this work.”
With CERTs Seed Grant support, Just Housing led a multi-layered outreach project to share information about green building, clean energy, and related workforce opportunities. Karmaker says the team spent time in the community, visiting schools, community colleges, career fairs, workforce training programs, and industry events.
“We went into classrooms and taught high school students about blueprint reading, drafting, 3D modeling, and building science. We also led an activity with students where they built both a conventional wall and a super-insulated wall, then tested how much heat each one lost,” she recalls.
Ultimately, the project impacted hundreds of people in the community. Karmaker says it was a success and also provided opportunities where the framework could be strengthened.
“We noticed that people don't always understand the links between buildings and energy consumption or environmental impact,” she says. “And high school teachers often don't have the opportunity to gain experience in high-performance building. So that experience really inspired us to think bigger.”
Building into the future
