US
Where We Build
The CMEP Affiliate primarily builds new homes on vacant lots in the inner-city neighborhoods of Chicago that are most in need of revitalization and redevelopment. We have built homes in North Lawndale, West Pullman, East Garfield, West Garfield and in several Southside and Eastside Chicago neighborhoods.
Construction
CMEP builds and rehabs simple, decent, affordable homes that range in size between 1,000 and 1,400 square feet, using 30-40% volunteer labor. A staff superintendent, paid project leads, and volunteer house and crew leads work together to instruct and oversee all other volunteers on the home builds. Building usually happens one to five days per week over a period of three to six months.
"Green" Building
All CMEP homes are built adhering to the Green Communities Standards , as well as being Energy Star Certified. We are also a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. We are continually looking for ways to improve our homes' energy efficiency and the sustainability of our construction materials to further increase energy conservation while decreasing environmental impact and maintenance cost for residents.
Safety
Cmep has a good safety program which is guided by a dedicated Safety Committee consisting of staff, construction volunteers, and U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) officials. We are the first not- for- profit to form an alliance with OSHA in order to become proactive about our safety procedures and program.