Housing Authority of Champaign YouthBuild

27/05/2026

YouthBuild took a trip to Springfield! There, students collaborated with other YouthBuild programs and construction trainers at an event hosted at the Capitol. Policymakers had the opportunity to see the impact of YouthBuild and advocate for its programs. Students also met with legislators and shared what YouthBuild means to them.

20/05/2026

HACC couldn’t be more proud to see YouthBuild Director Shevone Myrick spotlighted for her leadership, passion, and commitment to young people. Congratulations on completing the inaugural YouthBuild Leadership Fellows cohort! Thank you, YouthBuild Global, for recognizing the incredible work being done to uplift and empower the next generation.

This spring, YouthBuild Global proudly celebrated the completion of the inaugural 2024–2026 YouthBuild Leadership Fellows cohort, a group of 17 leaders from YouthBuild programs across the United States and around the world who have spent the past two years strengthening their leadership, deepening...

20/05/2026

Today, HACC YouthBuild had the honor of welcoming the Mayor of Urbana, Mayor DeShawn Williams for a special visit! The Mayor gave students the opportunity to ask questions about his journey to leadership, who he was at their age, and the importance of discipline and motivation in reaching goals.

After the discussion, students were excited to showcase the stools and benches they have been working so hard to build. Opportunities like this matter for youth, especially in Champaign County, offering inspiration, connection, and a chance to see what is possible.

What a wonderful visit and meaningful conversation!

07/05/2026

HACC is always Growing Together, but this time literally!

YouthBuild students, alongside Mr. Rob and Mr. Stewart, have dedicated countless hours of hard work and effort into building our HACC Community Garden. This week, HACC staff officially began our first round of planting, marking an exciting milestone for the project. We are incredibly proud of the teamwork and commitment that went into creating this space, and we can’t wait to watch the garden grow and flourish with the support of our HACC team!

04/05/2026

Please join me in congratulating Stewart Walker, our April Champion of the Month!

Stewart is an outstanding teacher who is deeply committed to providing our YouthBuild students with the best education possible. He genuinely cares about each student’s success and consistently encourages them to reach their fullest potential. His innovative teaching style makes learning engaging, approachable, and easy for students to understand. Stewart’s dedication, passion, and ability to connect with students have made a tremendous impact on our program. We couldn’t be happier to have Stewart as part of our HACC YouthBuild team!

Congratulations again, Stewart!

29/04/2026

We are so excited to name Saladin and Markie as YouthBuild's Student(s) of the Month! These two young people are natural leaders who are willing to lend a helping hand to their classmates. They have shown growth not only in their educational and construction skills but also growing in their personal development.

Congratulations to again to Saladin and Markie!

13/04/2026

Young Achievers took on a full shelving unit project at Pioneer, learning everything from finding studs and using new tools to cutting, measuring, and building with precision. New skills like using a drywall square and hand saw were put into action, while confidence grew with every challenge overcome.

More than just building a structure, teamwork is coming to life. Guidance, support, and shared strengths are shaping not only the project but the people behind it.

Progress is showing, pride is growing, and the excitement to learn keeps getting stronger 💪

17/03/2026

Looking to connect, learn something new, or give back? There are so many ways to get involved right here in the C-U community! From educational programs and volunteer opportunities to faith groups and recreational activities, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re interested in joining a book club, volunteering at a local nonprofit, attending a wellness class, or connecting through school or faith-based groups—community is all around you. 🤝

Take the first step and explore the many organizations that help bring Champaign-Urbana together through learning, service, and shared interests.

💬 Tag a friend you’d love to explore a community group with!

16/03/2026

Snakes and beavers showed up in the shop today 🐍🦫

A few serpentine cuts and some “beaver-chewed” edges made their appearance while learning the saw. But that’s all part of the process—pushing past the anxiety, getting comfortable with the tool, and building confidence with every cut.

As confidence grows, the snakes and beavers will slowly disappear. Every project is part of the learning curve, and every cut gets a little better than the last.

Progress over perfection. Keep cutting and keep learning.

24/02/2026

Last week, YouthBuild visited the Nation’s oldest independent African American museum, The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. It’s so important to celebrate and honor Black history, and to recognize how the strength, resilience, and contributions of those who came before us continue to shape who we are today.

17/02/2026

Building skills from the ground up 🔨 Our YouthBuild students are learning the basics of construction—measuring, sawing, and working as a team—while building their very own tables. Hands-on learning in action!