IMPROVING THE HOUSING CONDITIONS OF THE WORKFORCE

WE APOLOGIZE FOR TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES THAT GARBLE THE HOST VOICES IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS EPISODE.  OUR GUEST'S VOICE REMAINS CLEAR THROUGHOUT AND HER INSIGHTS ARE IMPORTANT.

ENVISION THIS... building energy-efficient housing, providing education on sustainability, and improving the housing conditions of the workforce through an affordable program

This is the vision, mission, and passion of our guest, Emily Niehaus, Executive Director of COMMUNITY REBUILDS. "At Community Rebuilds we aid income-qualifying families in building affordable and energy efficient strawbale homes.  We provide assistance during all stages of the build. Before breaking ground we act as a free consultant for interested families. We supply stamped architectural plans free of cost.  During the build we manage the build process and budget, and we provide a labor force of unpaid volunteer interns.  After construction is complete we provide our families free consultation in home maintenance and repair.

We've created an AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM by taking several steps to reduce the cost of construction... Because we've chosen insulative straw bale as our main building material, we are able to limit future heating and cooling costs."