I am able to focus on achieving my goals in a realistic way. I live independently and know where to get supports. In this short amount of time, I have been able to achieve goals and set new ones. I look forward to what is next. Thank you.

Building Up is thrilled about our growing partnership with Raising the Roof. Raising the Roof provides our participants with the unique training opportunity of first hand work experience in construction. By renovating vacant spaces into energy efficient affordable housing our participants build not only their skills, confidence and employability, but they also go home proud of the work they have done. Our work with Raising the Roof gives us the ability to truly set our participants up for success in both their careers and their lives.

Edward was a trainee working with one of our social enterprise contractors, Building Up. Edward was unemployed and on Ontario Works, experiencing suicidality and depression. Through the construction training program, Edward discovered his passion for carpentry. He built his confidence, rising at 4am each morning to be on-site first.

Since graduation, Edward has had stable, well-paying unionized apprenticeship, his mental health has improved, his housing security has improved, and he’s saving to purchase a home. “This is the happiest I’ve ever been in my life,” Edward says, “and I have Building Up to thank for that.”