Inmates Build Affordable Housing

Inmates of Minnesota's county jails have built 250 homes for rural families making up to 80 percent of the state median income.

1 minute read

July 15, 2006, 9:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

Unlike corrections-run home building programs in other states, in which inmates build modular homes inside prison walls, crews of minimum-security inmates are trained and work at construction sites.

The corrections department contracts with nonprofit housing developers in a handful of communities around the state. A corrections department carpenter supervises the inmates, who earn up to $1.50 an hour while they are taught to frame, build walls, and shingle roofs.

Rather than taking away work from local contractors, the program creates jobs for local electricians, excavators, and other specialists, said a corrections department official. One hundred seventy-five inmates have completed the training. The vast majority of those who have been discharged from prison are now working in construction, prison officials say.

Thanks to KnowledgePlex

FULL STORY: 'Unlikely Alliance' Addressess Shortage of Rural Affordable Housing

Thursday, July 13, 2006 in National Public Radio (NPR) via KnowledgePlex

Social / Demographics Urban Development Minnesota

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