Workforce Development

A contractor wearing a red hard hat, smiling
In partnership with Action Housing, Inc., WHE invests in local contractors to equip them to take on federal- and state-funded projects.
Women for a Healthy Environment began its workforce development efforts to support residential home repairs through HUD and state-wide Whole Home Repairs funding. In collaboration with Action Housing, Inc., WHE identified a critical need to invest in local contractors, ensuring they are equipped to take on federally and state-funded projects.
Healthy Homes

Why Work with WHE?

WHE needs contractors to work for our Asthma Program and 1000 Hours Program. It is important to us to work with contractors that understand and opt for the use of healthier building materials to limit the unintentional harms that may come from cheaper products. 

Our Asthma Program completes moderate residential home renovation projects to address environmental and safety hazards.

Our 1000 Hours Program provides lead and radon testing and remediation to schools and childcare centers.

Happy construction worker.

Help us build the future

Women for a Healthy Environment typically works with general contractors to complete projects that remove hazards and create healthier environments in homes and schools.

Are you a contractor who works in Allegheny County? Are you looking for new networks to connect you to additional jobs and trained staff as you grow?

Healthy Schools PA is a program designed to help guide schools and administrators on building new and maintaining existing facilities, and improving indoor air quality with the incorporation of environmental health principles. Through the 1000 Hours grant program, Healthy Schools PA also ensures our children’s health is protected by eliminating lead and radon in the school environment.

General requirements to work with WHE:

  • Up-to-date insurance coverage
  • Registered with the PA Attorney General’s Office
  • Have a unique entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov
  • EPA Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Firm Certification
  • EPA Lead-Safe RRP Renovator Certification

Partner Organizations

Several key organizations were identified that assist local contractors and individuals with training and building their businesses. Here are a few of the organizations that we work with on a regular basis.

Trade Institute of Pittsburgh
Mon Valley Initiative
Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation
Riverside Center for Innovation
A. Philip Randolph Institute

Professional Development: Training Opportunities

Are you interested in working for us but don’t meet all the requirements? Let us know!

We can assist you or connect you with a local partner to get you ready for work. We can connect you with resources to:

  • Complete Lead Safety Training (funding available)
  • Obtain Women/Minority/Disadvantaged Business Entity (WMDBE) Certification
  • Building your business


All renovation contractors working in homes built before 1978 are required to have EPA Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair, and Painting certifications for their firm and for at least one renovator per job site. We have found that many contractors don’t keep up with this certification due to cost. WHE has funding available to reimburse contractors and workers who complete their training to help reduce lead hazards.

Contact us for more info

Green Building Materials

Not all building materials are created equal! There are so many products available, it can often be difficult to know whether scary chemicals hide within the materials you’re using for your home repair project.

Stay tuned: WHE is creating a Green Building Materials Guide to help contractors (and homeowners) opt for healthier materials without having to do the heavy lifting.

Contact us for more info