Three ex-convicts will receive on-the-job training as they work to convert several roofs on Market Street near 41st into "green roofs" as part of an effort to train ex-convicts for "green-collar" jobs.
The Partnership Community Development Corporation and the Mayor's Office for the Reentry of Ex-offenders announced the effort yesterday.
Green roofs are covered with various plants, which help reduce energy costs by absorbing hot sun rays and, in turn, cooling the building, said Cory Suter, owner of BioNeighbors Sustainable Homes. The company will install the roofing and train the men. Suter added that green roofs typically last more than twice as long as traditional roofs.
"Economically, it's genius," said Gregory Johnson, one of the ex-convicts who began work on the roof of the Partnership CDC building yesterday. "It will save a lot of money for people who can't afford to be paying high utility costs."
Johnson served eight years in prison for drug-related crimes and said that it has been difficult finding work since.
"This is a real big opportunity for people in my position," Johnson said. "They say you start out with a clean slate once you serve your punishment, but most employers don't see it that way."
Suter wasn't one of those employers.
"I just wanted to give a chance to guys that are interested in working hard, but don't have an opportunity for meaningful work," Suter said.
"I'm glad they're giving us a chance," said Charles Harley, an ex-convict.
Harley said he saw aesthetic value in the roofing he was installing, which is a departure from the black-tarred roofs of many of the neighborhood's buildings.
"It's really nice to be beautifying the neighborhood," he said.
Darieal Sutton, who will also work on the roof, agreed.
"I think it's good for the neighborhood," he said. "I'm really interested in seeing what our work is going to add up to and look like."
Sutton, who was jailed two years, said he has put his old life behind him and is ready to work.
"My sights are set on not looking back," he said. "They're only set on moving forward."
Steven Williams, executive director of the Partnership CDC, spoke highly of the initiative and the effects it will have on both energy costs and the ex-offenders.
"Its such a small investment," he said, "but the return will be so great." *
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