BHC is a self-sustaining operation that can be replicated throughout the United States and most of the world. BHC will produce affordable, energy-efficient single-family and multi-family residential housing. Our housing will be more affordable than site-built housing and most other panelized manufacturers. We will have several floor plans that we will specialize in while offering a wide variety of other plans through an AutoCAD based architectural design program, all with the ability for customization. We are confident that the Beaufort-Hyde Construction Project and its jobs are self-sustaining and will continue functioning past the initial funding. The numbers indicate not only a sustainable organization, but also a profit-making entity ($1.8 million net profit by year 3).

We will provide employment opportunities with competitive wages and associated support services to disadvantaged individuals, resulting in less government assistance, more economic independence, and more entrepreneurial opportunities.We will create a minimum of 112 new jobs with at least 60% of the staff coming from TANF/Work- First, low-income, unemployed, single female headed households, and other disadvantaged populations. We realize that many individuals and families will be unable to participate in the program without access to pertinent secondary services, so we will also provide child care, health benefits, and life skills learning opportunities to all employees.

Our comprehensive job training program will be offered in conjunction with Beaufort County Community College (BCCC), who will train the staff needed to work at the facility. Through a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation, BCCC will provide Masonry, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, and Carpentry programs at no cost to prepare disadvantaged employees for the work force. Classes will be taught by certified faculty from BCCC. Participants must complete the required core training in order to obtain employment at the facility. Once they successfully complete the core training program in their desired construction field, they will earn livable wages through employment at the construction center in an apprentice program. They can continue their skills development under a skilled technician and achieve state certification in their selected field upon completion of the required hours. They can then go on to form their own small business, work for other employers, or work toward a management level position.

Construction entrepreneurs will be able to apply for a loan from the CDBH and NC Rural Center Micro Enterprise Loan Program, which has been established to provide start-up money to qualified, first-time small business owners utilizing a trade developed in our program.

In addition to job training programs, the project will provide participants access to free life skills training programs. These programs include GED, English as a Second Language (ESL), and computer literacy training, which will be provided by Beaufort County Community College personnel. CDBH and other area nonprofits will provide housing counseling, finacial literacy, and other asset-building classes. CDBH will also provide Construction Center employees with access to free tax preparation in their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).