The skyrocketing costs of lumber and building materials is having a serious effect on affordable housing in our community and around the country.
Prices have been at record highs, and this is a national issue. And it’s not just lumber — construction-related prices for materials like drywall and fiberglass have gone up too.
Lumber prices have been especially volatile in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased demand and supply-side constraints. The unprecedented spikes in lumber prices have added nearly $36,000 to the average price of a new single-family home, and nearly $13,000 to the price of a multifamily home since April 2020.
[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/lumber-prices-50k.jpeg” image_size=”large” link=”https://www.visualcapitalist.com/visualizing-explosion-lumber-prices-50k/” title=”Visualizing the Recent Explosion in Lumber Prices, by Marcus Lu” desc=”“In just one year, the price of lumber has increased 377%—reaching a record high of $1,635 per 1,000 bd ft. For context, lumber has historically fluctuated between $200 to $400.“” caption_location=”outside-image”]
The numbers are scary. That’s why it’s essential to keep moving forward with creating the CHUCK Center:
The CHUCK Center (Connie Hillman Urban Construction Knowledge Center) will provide job training and apprentice opportunities with real-world experience building affordable housing. This new skilled labor force will build more Habitat neighborhoods, in turn allowing Habitat Tucson to offer a “hand up” to more local families, lifting them out of generational poverty.
[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/chuck.png” image_size=”large” link=”https://habitattucson.org/2021/03/02/the-chuck-center-workforce-development/” caption_location=”outside-image”]
Habitat for Humanity Tucson is developing a solution to two of the most pressing issues facing Arizona, the lack of affordable housing and a growing need for skilled workforce in the trades. The Connie Hillman Urban Construction Knowledge Center (CHUCK) will serve as Habitat Tucson’s construction hub, warehouse, and training center.
It will provide job training and intern opportunities with real-world experience building affordable housing. The facility, located on property owned by Habitat Tucson in the Flowing Wells neighborhood will feature over 15,000 square feet of storage, classroom, and office space.
By building a skilled labor force, our whole community will benefit.
The CHUCK Center will provide a clear path for youth and those reentering the workforce to prepare for highly desirable careers in the skilled trades. And it allows Habitat Tucson and the community to access additional resources to build more affordable housing.
Help build the CHUCK Center!