Sunday Breakfast Mission

Instructor Jim Ennis and his crew have been working on a full renovation of an affordable housing property for a local nonprofit, Sunday Breakfast Mission. The two-bedroom, one-bath home will provide transitional housing for homeless individuals in their New Life Program. The approximately 9-month project started with a full demo (“full gut”), including removing a 3-story chimney to make room for new stairs. The trainees will have the opportunity to work alongside subcontractors such as electricians, install new windows and doors, and do the finishing (drywall, trim, and painting), hardscaping and landscaping.

In their own words, here is what the trainees have learned so far: RJ - “I’ve learned how to read blueprints and how to build stairs, as far as stringers, risers, treads – all of that.” Xavier - “I’ve learned a lot like reading the measuring tape, subflooring, different tools, bits, and measurements.” (His favorite part is “Just showing up and being a part of it.”) Nhaki: “I learned how to build a wall. I’ve never done that before. We built a room.”

Rev. Tom Laymon, Sunday Breakfast Mission’s CEO, said “We are so grateful for The Challenge Program. Our 2nd Street houses are being prepared to provide important extended time housing for graduates of our Lifechange programs for Men and Women. We have seen tremendous success in the pilot program and are looking forward to the completion of this and more houses.”