Michael English House & Skilled Purpose Program
At the February Dinner Meeting, Vincent English introduced Skilled Purpose, a new nonprofit training program tackling Cape Cod’s skilled labor shortage. With 264 unfilled carpenter positions annually and no local training programs, the Michael English House, Inc. is bridging the gap with a 12-week carpentry program designed for individuals in recovery and those reentering society post-incarceration.
Skilled Purpose is creating a new talent pipeline—and they need your help. HBRACC members can support by hiring graduates, offering apprenticeships, donating materials, or sponsoring training sessions.
In partnership with the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office, they are strengthening workforce development and reentry efforts, proving the power of vocational training in reducing recidivism.
Stay tuned for details on an upcoming Friendsraiser event (date TBD) to learn more. In the meantime, contact Vincent English at vincentenglish@skilledpurpose.org to get involved.
What It Takes to Build a House in Five Days
All week, the man who’ll live in this house helped build it. Kevin – the future homeowner – worked alongside the crews, gave interviews, and watched his family’s home take shape board by board, right up through Friday’s dedication. From September 21 to 25, more than 90 HBRACC member companies and 200-odd volunteers built a…
This Week’s Build: 2026 Blitz Build
This Week’s Build The 2026 Home Builders Blitz Build is underway. This week, hundreds of Cape Cod builders, subcontractors, suppliers, volunteers, and community partners are building a three-bedroom home for a local family – from frame to finish – in just five days. The build started Monday, September 21, and runs through Friday, September 25,…
Online Continuing Ed Thru PSD & MVBA
Martha’s Vineyard Builders Association & PSD Consulting invite HBRACC Members to join these free online CSL courses. Date Time Topic Registration 9/29/2026 5:00-6:00 PM MA R2.3 Residential Existing Buildings Part 3: Alterations https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6167508623381228629 10/6/2026 5:00-6:00 PM MA R3.1 Residential Air Barrier and Insulation Installation https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8728120571378624085 10/13/2026 5:00-6:00 PM MA R3.2 Whole-House Mechanical Ventilation: Options…
Introducing Cape Tide
Introducing Cape Tide Accelerator Programs aren’t just for the next Google or Uber. The Cape has its own. And its winter class is now accepting applications. Whether you’re reworking or refining an existing business model or exploring a new business idea, HBRACC is excited to introduce the building industry to Cape Tide. From the staff…
BEFORE YOU RENOVATE, FIND OUT WHICH ENERGY CODE YOUR TOWN FOLLOWS
Energy codes don’t usually make dinner-table conversation – but on Cape Cod they increasingly shape renovation plans, heating choices and construction budgets. Every town from the bridges through Orleans, plus Provincetown, follows the Stretch Energy Code. Outer Cape towns from Eastham to Truro have gone further, adopting the Specialized code that generally requires all-electric new…
At Home Media Kit 2026 – 2027
Discover At Home Magazine Cape Cod: Your Ultimate Guide to Home Building, Remodeling, and Improvement Decisions At Home Magazine Cape Cod offers valuable insights and inspiration for your dream home or upcoming remodel. Published biannually, our magazine reaches a wide audience across Cape Cod, with 11,000 units distributed per issue. 2026 – 2027 Media Kit
The Blitz Build Kickoff Was One for the Books
Nearly 100 members, sponsors, volunteers and guests gathered at 805 Gifford Street Extension on August 11 for the 2026 Blitz Build Kickoff Party & Member Mixer – and for the first time ever, we held it right on the build site behind the Falmouth ReStore. Over Brazilian BBQ from Diego, Swirls by Shannon (donated by…
Planning an Outdoor Kitchen on Cape Cod? Start With These Five Expert Tips
Photographed by Christopher Runinski Inspired by the Summer 2026 issue of At Home Magazine, featuring insights from HBRACC members O’Neill Bowes Building Company and KAM Appliances. There’s something uniquely Cape Cod about gathering outdoors. Whether it’s grilling fresh seafood on a summer evening, sharing stories around a fire pit in the fall, or enjoying coffee…
Massachusetts Updates Zoning Act to Streamline Housing and Development
Governor Maura Healey has signed significant amendments to the Massachusetts Zoning Act as part of the FY2027 state budget. Effective July 9, 2026, the changes are intended to modernize the permitting process, reduce unnecessary barriers to development, and provide municipalities with greater flexibility when reviewing projects. While each project remains subject to local zoning bylaws…
It’s Perfect Photography Season: Start Planning Your 2027 BRICCAwards Entries Now
The 2027 BRICC Awards may still feel far away, but the strongest award entries rarely come together at the last minute. Summer and early fall offer some of the best opportunities to photograph completed projects across Cape Cod. Landscapes are full, gardens are established, outdoor living spaces are in use, and natural light can help…