Builder Captains Are the “Marvel” of HomeAid Portland

By Melanie Tashima Duncan, Foundation Director“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”When the market is tough, sales are down and budgets are tight, we may be inclined to take the quality of our lives for granted.  The truth is, however, that we are so very fortunate to have all our basic necessities covered. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many of Portland’s homeless population.HomeAid Portland is the shelter building arm of the Home Builders Foundation.  No other group is so uniquely qualified to build or renovate dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. Although the Home Builders Foundation and HomeAid Portland work diligently to build and maintain shelters through partnerships with local homeless care providers, there is still a huge gap between the need and current supply.That’s where the Foundation’s Builder Captain Program comes in. It fosters a culture of philanthropy by creating opportunities for members of the home building community to use their unique skills to improve the Portland community.  Our influential leaders use their industry expertise, networks and personal resources to build and enhance local area shelters, thus improving the lives of those in need.A Builder Captain is a local builder or company that commits time, energy and resources to lead the construction or renovation of a transitional housing facility and draws upon his or her pool of trade partners to coordinate, supervise and complete a HomeAid Portland Shelter.  Builder Captains play a crucial and vital role in HomeAid Portland by acting as the hands that make the project’s mission a reality. Simply put, Builder Captains are the “marvel” of HomeAid Portland.In partnership with HomeAid Portland staff and the shelter’s liaison, a Builder Captain:*provides construction management and leadership*oversees final plans, the permit process, and actual construction or renovation of a facility*recruits and coordinates with trade partners*obtains material and financial donationsThe importance of a Builder Captain cannot be overstated. They are influential, well known and immensely respected members of the building community.  They are knowledgeable, qualified and capable of harnessing industry resources. They are generous with their time, energy, and resources.HomeAid Portland is currently developing a pool of potential Builder Captains for a wide range of projects.  Projects vary from small renovations to new constructions of large free-standing complexes. Regardless of the project’s size, the impact is far reaching.If you are considering serving as a HomeAid Portland Builder Captain or are interested in learning more about the role of a Builder Captain, please call or email Mel Tashima Duncan at 503-603-4511 or mel@hbapdx.org.