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These are challenging times. The COVID-19 pandemic has required all of us to adjust our lives and calibrate a new normal. Meanwhile, social inequities have inspired recent unrest, which Portland has helped keep in the spotlight. And wildfires have raged across the West, destroying communities, homes and livelihoods in Oregon and beyond. There is no better time than now to collectively open our eyes and bridge societal gaps in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to business at Mortenson. Diversity in construction has come a long way over the past few decades. It is a measurable reflection of the variety of people in society, with all their differences, including characteristics seen and unseen. Inclusion means being open to and listening to all of the people around you or your organization, and embracing a variety of ideas, voices, knowledge, backgrounds and talents.

Equity has traditionally been less understood, but current events have leveled a broader understanding societally and have prioritized equity practices within businesses like ours. Think of it this way: Two equally qualified individuals apply for a job. One has a hammer and work boots, and the other does not. Which is the better candidate? The answer: both. To embrace equity, it is our responsibility to provide people with the resources they need to be successful 鈥� or in this case, the hammer and work boots. It takes work to ensure equity. We must commit to better understanding the barriers that exist so that we can remove them and create opportunity for all.

Our industry can create more opportunities for people of color, and for individuals in unfortunate circumstances who just need a chance to prove themselves. We can, and must, emphasize diversity, equity and inclusion. It just so happens that the construction industry is poised to cultivate talent for present and future generations to help make lasting change. So, how can we help people seeking opportunity make the right connections and learn that a fulfilling and satisfying career in construction awaits? How do we provide the scaffolding that people need to enter our field?

One pathway is provided by Constructing Hope, a Portland-based nonprofit that breaks down employment barriers. According to Executive Director Pat Daniels, Constructing Hope was originally offered to formerly incarcerated people 鈥渨ho are typically punished for the rest of their lives, long after serving time.鈥� Catering exclusively to the low-income population, Constructing Hope primarily serves African American, Native American and Asian American adults. The organization provides three no-cost programs that prepare people for careers in construction and related fields:

• Adult Construction Training 鈥� a 10-week construction skills and life skills pre-apprenticeship program. After a pandemic-induced hiatus, this program is back on track with the fall class set to begin in October. Classroom training will take place virtually, and work skills will be learned on actual jobsites with physical distancing measures in place.
• Career Advancement Support Services 鈥� three years of career placement in construction apprenticeships, pathway jobs that lead to apprenticeships, and other employment, along with mentorship and supportive services. Graduates secure good-paying jobs in careers that can be mastered without a college degree.
• Youth Summer Program 鈥� a five-week program for students ages 16-19 to learn the skills they need to pursue construction careers.

Constructing Hope, founded in 1995, originally was affiliated with and named after the Irvington Covenant Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. By 2010, the nonprofit had become established, moved to its current location at 405 N.E. Church St., and gained its apt new name. In its 25 years, Constructing Hope has guided 1,290 adults (including 66 in 2019) and 111 youths through graduation from their respective programs.

Anyone in business understands that it鈥檚 the relationships we foster that create opportunities. Constructing Hope is no different. As Pat puts it, opportunities typically come to the Constructing Hope community through the 鈥淔BI 鈥� fathers, brothers and in-laws.鈥� Two inspiring examples of people who have developed construction careers through Constructing Hope include:

• Raleigh Morrison 鈥� After 12 years of working at Home Depot, he was ready for an opportunity that would change his life. He graduated from the Constructing Hope pre-apprenticeship training in winter 2013, joined the carpenters union, and is now a foreman with Turner Construction. Raleigh鈥檚 career pays a viable living wage and allows him to provide for his eight children. His success also inspired his two sons, Scott and Robert, to follow in his footsteps. Each went through Constructing Hope鈥檚 training program, and like their dad, are now also members of the carpenters union.
• Anthony Williams 鈥� Prior to enrolling in Constructing Hope, this single father of two was working hard. But he was frustrated with his $13.50 per hour wage, which had increased only 50 cents in three years. 鈥淐onstructing Hope gave me an opportunity to actually have a chance at grasping what I鈥檓 looking for as a parent, and as an individual,鈥� he says. 鈥淭he education and certifications received gave me the foundation needed to pursue a career as a heavy machine operator. I am proud to share that I am currently employed by Clark and Sons Excavating and making $32.50/hour. That is a wage I can actually raise my family on.鈥�

It is a point of pride at Mortenson that our team members are actively involved in community organizations. Our own Dewey Amos is a Constructing Hope board member.

鈥淲e need more diversity in our industry, and Constructing Hope is making that happen while bridging gaps in equity and inclusion,鈥� Dewey says. 鈥淐onstructing Hope is building a positive community of individuals who are thriving in construction 鈥� people who hadn鈥檛 considered our field due to a cycle of low-income barriers and closed doors they had encountered earlier in their lives. It is incredibly gratifying to help people who look like me get into construction.鈥�

If you鈥檙e inspired to support Constructing Hope, or another organization that helps provide opportunities for people who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, consider making a donation or volunteering. Invite your friends or colleagues to participate or contribute. If you meet someone who would benefit from Constructing Hope or another organization, give the encouragement or resources he or she needs to pursue such a step.

Let鈥檚 be honest about the existing barriers and help break them down once and for all 鈥� barriers like education, training, tools, and even work boots. Let鈥檚 impress upon adults and children alike that construction is a field that anyone can pursue, regardless of the challenges they face, or have faced. As an industry, let鈥檚 do what we must to create the 鈥渨e鈥� that we want to be: diverse, equitable and inclusive.

Dan Mehls is the vice president and general manager of Mortenson鈥檚 Portland office. Contact him at 971-202-4113.

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed in the preceding commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Daily Journal of Commerce or its editors. Neither the author nor the 91视频 guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein.