Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/833937
ELEVATING OUR INFLUENCE 2017 See how you can assist and support the MBA's housing goals by contacting government@mbaks.com. The property owner has the assurance that the tenants will move out whenever the developer is ready to demolish and build, as well as the peace of mind that their property will be free from the risk of illicit activity during the transition period. The property owner may be eligible for certain tax exemptions or deductions during said transition period and Weld screens and selects all residents to ensure they are committed to healthy living while actively engaging in a recovery and reintegration plan. For Amy and Brady, this is a labor of love. "Seeing our members grow and assume roles of leadership is incredibly rewarding. Many of them come to us immediately after release from prison or a recovery program. As they re-engage with a supportive and relatable community of other men and women who have walked a similar path, they participate in a self-sustaining mentorship cycle. Through meaningful work for a living wage, many of them pay off their legal fees and obligations, re-engage as parents and family members, and begin their lives again with a renewed hope." "As our Weld members and Square Peg Construction employees strive to improve themselves and each other, they create better and safer communities for all of us. They are preventing homelessness by reaching out to the populations at highest risk and off ering them a safe place to begin again; an opportunity to belong and thrive." The housing crisis facing our region is huge—at times seemingly insurmountable. From 2010 to 2016, as our region has experienced one of its most economically prosperous growth periods, the number of homeless school-aged children in our state has nearly doubled. The numbers from 2016-2017 continue to grow at an alarming rate. All the while, we continue to increase public funding to what can feel like no avail. However, this is a problem that can and will be solved because it must. The solutions lie in the innovation of private- sector players that can cast the vision to develop new approaches. The MBA is proud to support these partners. "As our Weld members and Square Peg employees strive to improve themselves and each other, they create better and safer communities for all of us. They are preventing homelessness by reaching out to the populations at highest risk and off ering them a safe place to begin again; an opportunity to belong and thrive." — Brady and Amy King, owners, Square Peg Construction Our 2017 MBA theme, Elevating Our Influence, is driving us to recognize the need to innovate. This includes strengthening, and in some cases building, new strategic alliances with groups and associations directly impacted by residential housing issues. 23 SUMMER 2017 master builder