MONROE — On May 7, Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) and the School District of Monroe held an open house celebrating another successful year for the Home Construction Cooperative program. This program provides skills training in residential construction for the Monroe High School skilled trades LAUNCH students and provides solutions for long-standing housing shortages in the county.
“The Skilled Building Trades students have been using their skills to build a home on land donated by the City of Monroe to Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) as part of the Home Construction Cooperative program,” said Cara Carper, Monroe High School LAUNCH Coordinator.
The event, held at 1511 16th Avenue in Monroe, offered tours of the home and recognized the many individuals and organizations that contributed to the project’s success. Students, educators, community members, and local partners had the opportunity to celebrate and to see the students’ craftsmanship up close and hear from those involved in bringing the project to life.
“This home represents more than just a finished product — it’s a testament to what’s possible when a community invests in its students and future workforce,” said Olivia Otte, Executive Director for GCDC. “We are grateful for the support that keeps this program going and are excited to announce next year’s plan in the near future.”
Throughout the school year, students worked alongside instructors and local professionals to complete all phases of the home’s construction — from framing and roofing to electrical, plumbing, and interior finishing. The project was made possible through the collaborative support of the City of Monroe, SSM Health Monroe, Builders First Source, Kundert Construction, Maz Electric, Kevin’s Appliance, Bruni-Miller, Father Campion Foundation, WE Energies Foundation, Glass Box Group, Monroe Lions Club, Davis Foundation, Heartland Graphics, Buehler Interiors, NRB Plastering, Tristate Gutters, Santos Concrete, XL Contracting, Monona Plumbing and Fire Protection, Monson Septic and Portable Restrooms, and M&D Trucking, and personal donations from Jeff Conway, Richard Waski, and Jerry Guth.
“We are deeply thankful to every partner who helped make this project a success,” said Jeriamy Jackson, Monroe High School Principal. “This kind of real-world experience is invaluable for our students, and the support from the community was incredible.”
The open house also served as a moment of recognition for the students’ hard work and dedication, as well as the collective effort behind the scenes. One hundred percent of the funds raised from the sale of the home are returned to the Home Construction Cooperative program which will continue next school year.
GCDC encourages people to follow their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GreenCountyDevelopment) or sign-up for the newsletter via their website (https://greencountydevelopment.com/) to stay up-to-date on this program and others that GCDC coordinates throughout Green County.
GCDC is a 501c3 non-profit organization working for economic growth in Green County, while maintaining the quality of life that makes our community a great place to live and work.
For more information about the program or future projects, contact GCDC at 608-328-9452 or gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com.
