Construction Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that unites Chicago’s construction community to support, empower, and uplift those who build our city. We provide educational, financial, and emotional support to construction workers in need while organizing community service initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and foster connection.
One of the best ways you can support Construction Cares is with your time.
We’re always looking for volunteers in the following areas to help keep our programs running.
The Onni Group, Power Construction, 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., Chicago Neighbors United, 10th District State Representative Jawaharial Omar Williams, All Mason, The Night Ministry, City of Chicago, and The 1901 Community Implementation Committee.
We provide educational,
financial, and emotional support to construction workers in need while organizing community
service initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and foster connection.
A workforce development initiative designed to recruit, mentor, and prepare the next generation of tradespeople.
Read MoreA hands-on service program that encourages tradespeople to give back to the neighborhoods they help build. From beautification projects to resource drives.
Read MoreA free community education series offering guidance on legal rights, tenant protections, and access to low-cost or pro bono services.
Read MoreWe host events and roundtables that connect construction professionals, contractors, and community advocates.
Read MoreWhat began as an act of compassion quickly grew into a movement.
After a driving incident, I had to complete community service hours, and honestly, I didn’t know where to turn. Construction Cares stepped in and helped me when I really needed it. They gave me the chance to do my hours in a way that didn’t make me feel judged or looked down on. I spent time helping around the office with different tasks, and I also helped outside the office setting up and breaking down construction-related events. It was real work, but it was meaningful work. I actually felt useful. What really made it a good experience was being able to sit in on meetings about upcoming projects, meet elected officials, and attend workforce events. I even got to share my own experience in the trades with others. That meant a lot, because instead of just “doing hours,” I was learning, connecting, and contributing. Construction Cares didn’t just help me complete my requirements. They helped me stay grounded, stay involved, and stay focused. I’m truly grateful for the experience.
This past season has been rough. Work slowed down and I fell behind on my union dues. On top of that, I needed to take a flaggers class to try to get back out there, but I couldn’t even sign up without having my dues paid. It felt like everything was hitting me at once. I reached out to LaFrancis and just told her the truth. I explained what was going on and that I needed to have my dues paid by Thursday so I could take the class on Friday. She told me to give her an hour. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. But not even 30 minutes later, she called me and said, “Come pick up the check.” No paperwork. No judgment. No “you owe us.” Just, we got you. And that meant something to me. Because a lot of places say they help, but Construction Cares really does. They didn’t just help me pay dues they helped me keep moving forward when I felt stuck. I’m grateful to have had somewhere to turn. Thank you, Construction Cares. For real.
I’ll never forget when I was working on the UIH project and LaFrancis showed up on the jobsite on behalf of Construction Cares. Not with paperwork. Not with questions. Just to have lunch with us and check up on how we were doing. It was me, four other carpenters, and one laborer. I’ve been in the trades a long time, and I can honestly say nobody has ever done anything like that for me or for any other tradesperson I know. It meant something. It made us feel seen. And that wasn’t the only time Construction Cares showed up for me. They’ve helped me when I got behind on my dues too. No judgment. No run-around. Just support when I needed it. Sometimes work can be slow, and things can get tight. Knowing I had somewhere to turn made a big difference.
