Dozens of YouthBuild students, focused on obtaining good-paying jobs in the construction field, studied financial literacy and academics as Mayor David N. Cicilline toured the agency's new headquarters.  The former Old Polish Home has been transformed into the new home of the Olneyville Housing Corporation and YouthBuild, thanks in part to $400,000 in federal stimulus money that helped fund the project and put more than 40 people to work.

"The renovation of the Old Polish Home into the new headquarters of YouthBuild and the Olneyville Housing Corporation is an excellent example of investing federal stimulus money wisely to create jobs and fuel our economy," said Mayor Cicilline.  "This historic landmark now stands as a symbol of hope for the residents of Olneyville."

 The project, which was partially funded with a $401,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), employed more than 40 people in construction jobs such as carpenters, laborers, electricians, plumbers, masons and painters.  Olneyville Housing also received $217,000 in Providence Economic Development Partnership (PEDP) lo ans to fund the project.

"For more than 75 years this building was a focal point for the Olneyville community," said Frank Shea, Executive Director of the Olneyville Housing Corporation.  "We are proud that the Mayor and the City of Providence chose to invest these critical resources in making this building a critical resource for families in this neighborhood once again." 

The new facility, located on Chaffee Street in Providence, will enable the Olneyville Housing Corporation to significantly increase services to residents.  The renovated building will house and support homebuyer-training classes, tax-preparation services, summer youth employment, the Olneyville open-space steward program and the Olneyville Collaborative.  It will also enable Olneyville Housing to transform the space it currently occupies into an affordable rental unit. 

YouthBuild, a workforce development and alternative education program for at-risk young people, now has the capacity to double the number of people it serves. In the past five years alone, YouthBuild has helped more than 100 young adults make a successful transition into the working world.  The agency now has a waiting list of more than 200 young people hoping to be accepted into the program. 

"The Mayor has been a long-time supporter of YouthBuild Providence and we thank him for his continued commitment to young people," said Anthony Hubbard, Director, YouthBuild.  "Through his investment we will be able to prepare many more young people seeking pathways out of poverty for the workforce."

Councilwoman Josephine DiRuzzo allocated $100,000 in neighborhood bond funds towards the acquisition of the property.  She also chairs the Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, and Planning (URRP) which quickly agreed with and approved the CDBG recommendation.  The full Council gave its final approval in May.

"The transformation of the old Polish Home has breathed new life into an area that has struggled for so long, and I am so pleased that this iconic building, with so much history and cultural significance, has been revitalized, and now serves as headquarters for both Olneyville Housing and YouthBuild," stated Councilwoman DiRuzzo.   
  
Both Olneyville Housing and YouthBuild have demonstrated a strong commitment to bringing jobs and economic investment to our neighborhood, and the federal stimulus dollars have helped to build on that commitment."