Pittsburgh Job Corps weatherization students suiting up to install foam insulation in CARE Ownership project on the North Side.

CARE Ownership Partners With the Dow Chemical Company and Job Corps To Restore Blighted Properties

In today’s economy, it is remarkable what organizations can do when they work together.  Through the combined generosity of CARE Ownership, The Dow Chemical Company, InsulRight, and the labor of students learning the construction trade at the Pittsburgh Job Corps Center, an outstanding effort is being made to restore derelict homes in the city.

Recently, The Dow Chemical Company conducted a training session on their foam insulation installation at a property on the North Side that was gutted and being rehabilitated for occupancy.

Linda Schultz, project manager for CARE Ownership said, “Repairing and improving this apartment building will increase the stability of the whole community, positively impacting multiple families, taxpayers, and property owners in a wide area. This endeavor also provides hands-on experience for the next generation of home builders currently training at Job Corps.”

Joe Morrone, Project Manager for InsulRight, a leading local contractor, said, “My company never did much training with youth.  Seeing the professionalism and level of commitment from the Pittsburgh Job Corps weatherization students is impressive.  I like the fact that they have industry certification that provides proof of training.”  He realizes that there is a lot of interest in learning first hand from experts about the DOW products and their uses.  Mr. Morrone will be coming to the Job Corps center to talk about his involvement in the construction industry.

Gary Bauer, energy expert and Senior Account Manager of Styrofoam Brand Products for Dow said that “there is nothing more in the spotlight these days than weatherization and that these students are the new generation preparing for this career. These students are helping to give the opportunity for a family to live a good life in a nice environment and that makes us all feel good.”  His advice to the students is to learn the trade well.

“Everyone is working to create a livable space to enhance the neighborhood,” said Michael Brink, weatherization instructor at the Pittsburgh Job Corp Center.  Thanks to products provided by Dow, Job Corps students received first-hand experience in home improvement by installing STYROFOAM spray polyurethane foam insulation in the interior cavity wall. Tony Mascipinto, North American Sales development Leader for Dow said,  “This two-component spray-applied foam fills cavities, cracks and crevices, sealing against uncontrolled air leakage and helping maintain consistent, comfortable indoor temperatures.”

“The energy and enthusiasm that this project is generating is wonderful.  Students are engaged in real time learning and put pride into their work,” said Karen Bobick, construction Work Based Leaning coordinator. “With professionals from The Dow Chemical Company and InsulRight leading the way, students develop confidence in themselves and competence in their skills,” she said.

Linda Schultz, board president and Project Manager for CARE Ownership, said, “A major part of the project is teaching the new owner financial and renovation skills in order to manage the property.”  Their current candidate entered the program a year ago and since this time has gained the necessary knowledge to help effectively manage the property from a financial perspective along with the renovation skills needed to maintain it.

CARE Ownership is a non-profit established five years ago to renovate multi-family properties that were blights on city neighborhoods. Dow Building Solutions is a leader in complete insulation systems, insulation products, sealants, and adhesives whose focus is to improve energy efficiency in buildings today and the future.

Job Corps is a U.S. Depart. of Labor funded career technical training facility for at risk youth ages 16-24.

Equitable Foundation – $300!

BNY Mellon – $180!

Reinterpreting the stewardship of property so that all stakeholders benefit, a business model approach was developed and launched in 2007 that visualizes renters who become property owners, empowering themselves to benefit from a vested interest in improvement of their building and the neighborhoods around them.

A $25,000 donation allowed the purchase of our first building for $10,000 in 2008 and we began renovation work with the help of our first apprentice. The property we purchased had sustained significant water damage from vandals who had torn copper pipes out of the foreclosed building. Our demolition phase of rebuilding has been completed, as we removed moldy and water damaged surfaces, improperly installed and neglected bathrooms and kitchens. Roof leaks and crumbling foundations are being repaired, paving the way for restoration and transformation – of individuals, property and neighborhoods.

CARE Ownership started as a vision of an alternative to the cycle of decay and gentrification that leaves low-income stakeholders at the mercy of slum landlords on the downhill side, and without ability to benefit from gentrification as rents rise beyond their reach.

Reinterpreting the stewardship of property so that all stakeholders benefit, a business model approach was developed and launched in 2007 that visualizes renters who become property owners, empowering themselves to benefit from a vested interest in improvement of their building and the neighborhoods around them.

Our mission is to improve lives and communities by mentoring individuals, who are working toward more productive lives, in the skills of real estate management, leading to their ownership of renovated, income-producing residences in transformed neighborhoods.

We provide a financial safety net, and economic self-sufficiency to individuals “on the edge” of productive society, through provision of real estate management skills training, leading to subsequent purchase & management of property.

We mentor “apprentices” in managing & owning real estate, providing those apprentices with the ability to purchase multi-family properties and enabling them to enter the economic middle class through real estate equity.

Volunteers enjoyed delicious pizzas donated by local pizzeria WiseGuys Pizza on Woods Run Rd.  The weather and conversation were delightful and all left knowing that they contributed substantially to the well-being of the property. In addition to Charlie and Thad, our sincere thanks go out to Mike, Caroline, Walter, Doug, Katie and Sadie.

“Woman helping others become homeowners, reducing urban blight”