From the Office of Senator Kerry

Friday, October 20, 2000

Washington, D.C.-Senator John F. Kerry (D-MA) announced that $60 million was designated to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's YouthBuild program in the FY 2001 VA-HUD, and Independent Agency appropriations bill. This is an increase of $17.5 million dollars over the FY 2000 appropriation. Nationwide, YouthBuild programs provide a unique opportunity for low-income youth to continue their education while building affordable housing in their communities.

The YouthBuild program has enjoyed enormous success. Eighty-five percent of young people who complete the program go on to secure jobs or continue their education. The program has grown tremendously in the last few years. In 1993, there were 15 YouthBuild sites serving 600 young people. Today, 145 YouthBuild sites give a second chance to more than 5,500 low-income youth, most of whom left high school without a diploma. With this astounding success rate, the demand for YouthBuild programs has grown exponentially. Programs have been forced to turn away numerous applicants because they didn't have the resources to serve them.

"Youthbuild represents a win-win for our communities – not only is it a great opportunity for education and job training for out-of-school youths, but it also focuses much needed energy and resources on building affordable housing – something that effects us in every part of the country," said Senator Kerry. "There are enough abandoned buildings to put the young people of this country to work and gain the kind of citizenship that is part of YouthBuild. That should be the goal of the United States Congress. This new funding will not only improve the existing program, but make this opportunity available to so many new people and new communities. "

"YouthBuild programs across the country are rejoicing that Congress finally gave a significant boost to YouthBuild's annual funding in response to the President's request and Senator John Kerry's persistent advocacy," said Dorothy Stoneman, Executive Director of YouthBuild USA. "Senator Kerry has been the champion of YouthBuild since he sponsored the original legislation in 1991, and he has never let up. This year he got 59 of his colleagues to call for an increase. We have learned that we can always count on him to take the next step for the young people in YouthBuild."

This new funding will be used to enhance the already existing programs as well as expand the opportunity to a new group. In addition to providing education towards a diploma and important training for future jobs, as well as providing a vital service for lower to moderate income communities, YouthBuild also prepares individuals with leadership development, adult mentoring, and participation in a supportive community.

The YouthBuild program also addresses the issue of affordable housing. For many working families across the country, housing is getting farther and farther out of reach. A family with a minimum wage income can not afford adequate housing in any metropolitan area in the country. Senator Kerry has authored legislation to create a National Housing Trust Fund to address this growing crisis.

Contact: David Wade (202) 224-4159

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Here's what Massachusetts community YouthBuild programs have to say about this record appropriation:

Lowell–

"Community Teamwork's YouthBuild Program is a success story in itself. Just this year, nine trainees enrolled in our program; two earned their GED, two entered into full or part-time employment, and five have graduated from the program. The success of CTI's YouthBuild program has helped to reduce the number of unemployed teens, provide assistance to the elderly and disabled, and develop civic-minded adults. CTI is grateful to Senator Kerry for his strong leadership and support of YouthBuild and here in Lowell and to Congressman Marty Meehan for his solid support of our successful application to HUD."

Karen Fredrick, Community Teamwork, Inc., Chief Programming Officer

Lawrence–

"YouthBuild is deeply appreciative of Senator Kerry's advocacy in securing $60 million of funding for YouthBuild programs. For hundreds of young people in Lawrence who left high school without a diploma, Senator has given a great opportunity. Our community needs these young people to become a positive force in our city and YouthBuild Lawrence provides the training and education needed. The home built by YouthBuild Lawrence at 15-17 Cross Street stands as a monument to the success and potential that this generation of young people can realize." Andrew Mente, Director, YouthBuild Lawrence

Brockton- "At YouthBuild Brockton, we are absolutely thrilled that Congress has significantly increased YouthBuild's funding. Right now here in Brockton, YouthBuild trainees and staff are finishing up a 1200 sq. ft. 3 bedroom house at 26 Walnut Street for ownership by a low income family. City officials tell us that the YouthBuild house is the first new home construction in the Walnut Turner neighborhood in almost 20 years. We are grateful for the consistent and persistent way in which Senator John Kerry has championed the cause of YouthBuild and those young people who need a "second opportunity." Without Senator Kerry's leadership and sponsorship of the YouthBuild legislation, many, many young people here in Brockton and across the country would be denied the very opportunity they need most- a chance to earn their GED, to learn a vocational skill, be engaged, and make a difference in their community."

John Bengel, Director, YouthBuild Brockton

Springfield-

'The tremendous news from Washington couldn't have come at a better time for YouthBuild programs locally. Our YWCA YouthBuild Springfield is currently expanding, building on two years of success. Not only are the current members putting the finishing touches on our first project house, but we've just accepted our largest new class ever! YouthBuild is flourishing in Springfield and we are grateful for the work Senator John Kerry has done for both the YWCA YouthBuild Springfield and YouthBuild USA."

Mary Reardon Johnson, Executive Director, YWCA of Western Massachusetts

New Bedford–

"On behalf on the staff and members, past, present, and future, of YouthBuild New Bedford I would like to recognize the efforts of those who have carried the torch and rallied the cause for the young people of our community. Thanks to the advocacy and support of Senator John Kerry and his allies, the increase awarded to YouthBuild's annual fund indicates that Congress had begun to recognize the strong need for opportunities available to the 5.4 million out of school youth in this country. It is validation to the fifty young people enrolled here at YouthBuild New Bedford that we care about the future of our youth and will continue to invest our time and money to ensure opportunities are available to them. The fifty young people currently enrolled at YouthBuild New Bedford stand ready to play a vital role in the building of our community. Thank you Senator Kerry for assisting our efforts, we assure you, it will be money well spent."

Melanie Tavares, Director, YouthBuild, New Bedford

Worcester/ Quincy–

"As a third time recipient of a HUD YouthBuild grant in Massachusetts, Mass. Job Training, Inc. (MJT) is thrilled to learn of the increased funding allocated for YouthBuild programs next year. This increase will help expand YouthBuild and ensure that established programs will be able to provide a continuity of services. We are deeply grateful to Senator Kerry for his ardent efforts on behalf of out-of-school youth throughout the nation, and in particular, Massachusetts. MJT has been operating successful YouthBuild programs in Worcester, MA since January 1999, and has just been awarded a $400,000 grant to begin a new YouthBuild Program in Quincy, MA in January 2001. With Senator Kerry's support, we look forward to continuing to serve out-of- school youth in Massachusetts."

Paul J. Gallo, Executive Vice President, Mass. Job Training, Inc.

Cambridge/ Somerville–

"We've just completed our 6th year of operating the YouthBuild Just a Start Program. This year for the first time we had 21 students who earned high school diplomas through the program. All of these were high school dropouts, who have now gone on to community college, union apprenticeships, or other types of jobs. YouthBuild is the only program we know of that is comprehensive enough to make these significant kinds of impacts in the lives of disadvantaged young people."

Van Spanos, Director of Training & Education, Just a Start Corp.

Boston–

"YouthBuild programs offer young adults access to the opportunity structure of this society. It is most encouraging that the list of key decision makers who have joined John Kerry in support of the YouthBuild continues to grow. This initiative truly makes a difference in the lives of young people who are at the crossroads in their lives. The next generation of YouthBuild graduates will have tremendous impact on how the country will chose to address the issue of unemployed and underemployed inner city youth. We at YouthBuild Boston applaud Senator Kerry for his advocacy on behalf of many of the disenfranchised youth who seek a better chance for themselves and their families."

Ken Smith, Executive Director, YouthBuild Boston