Worcester, Mass. – October 18, 2018 – Worcester Common Ground, Worcester YouthBuild, operated by Training Resources of America, Inc., and Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest building materials companies and manufacturer of innovative material solutions, today broke ground on the sustainable construction of two homes at 20 and 24 Merrick Street. The homes, which will be the first ground-up construction projects completed in Worcester under Saint-Gobain’s national partnership with YouthBuild USA, are aiming to achieve United States Green Building Council’s LEED Platinum certification. Distinguished guests, including City Manager Edward Augustus were on site to celebrate the occasion.

“The construction of these two homes will provide our students with the opportunity to work alongside experts at Worcester Common Ground and Saint-Gobain to learn what it truly means to transform a vacant plot of land into a sustainable, energy-efficient home,” said Doug Daigle, Manager, Training Resources of America, Inc. “Throughout this process, our students will gain invaluable skills and the sense of achievement that comes from using your own two-hands to creative positive change.”

Both homes are located on a 10,500 square foot parcel of land, which became vacant in 2012 when the previous homes on the site were leveled by fire. Since 2012, the abandoned property has invited illegal dumping and illicit activity.

With the ground-up construction of these two new homes, the team will help achieve sustainability goals while also promoting community and neighborhood improvement.

“This project truly speaks to our organization’s mission by allowing us to create two more examples of affordable, sustainable living,” said Yvette Dyson, Executive Director at Worcester Common Ground. “The completed properties will be more than just housing; they will be comprehensive quality urban living environments that provide residents with space to garden and relax with family and neighbors.”

Throughout the construction process, Saint-Gobain will provide funding, building material donations, building science expertise and additional support through employee volunteerism. The team will also work together to provide Worcester YouthBuild students with hands-on construction and learning opportunities.

“This construction project demonstrates the depth and breadth of our national partnership with YouthBuild USA as we break ground on our first sustainable construction project in Worcester,” said Tom Kinisky, President and CEO of Saint-Gobain Corporation. “By working alongside Worcester YouthBuild students, we continue to invest in their futures by inspiring a genuine interest in green building and teaching students the skills needed to secure an in-demand career in the construction industry.”

Other key project partners include architect and project manager Larry Haley, the City of Worcester, Clinton Savings Bank and Santander. Both homes are expected to be complete by early summer of 2019.

Click here for more photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmukosLi

Link to Worcester T&G article: https://www.telegram.com/news/20181018/worcester-youthbuild-feels-at-ho…

Link to coverage on Worcester News Tonight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xcf1fVahpg.

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