WOCC – Worker-Owned Cooperative Construction

The Worker-Owned Cooperative Construction (WOCC) initiative is an integral part of SOUL Works L3C's mission to promote sustainable and community-driven development. WOCC is designed to empower workers by giving them a stake in the construction projects they work on, ensuring that they are not just employees, but active participants in the ownership and decision-making processes of the business. This cooperative model fosters a sense of pride and responsibility, which in turn leads to more dedicated and efficient workers.

Our mission is to build a sustainable construction workforce that is not only skilled but also invested in the success of the projects they contribute to. By creating opportunities for workers to co-own and co-manage construction businesses, we are breaking down barriers to economic mobility, fostering economic independence, and creating a more equitable industry. The WOCC initiative is designed to help build communities from within by putting the power of ownership into the hands of those who make it happen.

Member Benefits

Joining WOCC offers numerous benefits for workers, including the opportunity to directly influence the direction of their workplace and the projects they are involved in. Members have the chance to share in the profits, access training programs to enhance their skills, and receive mentoring and leadership development opportunities. As worker-owners, they also gain a stronger voice in company decisions, creating a democratic and supportive environment for growth.

By becoming a member of WOCC, individuals not only secure steady work in the construction industry, but they also build a foundation for long-term financial security and professional development. Through collective ownership, members gain both the financial rewards and the personal satisfaction of being a part of something bigger: building stronger communities from the ground up.

Community Hiring & Homebuilding Goals

A key goal of WOCC is to prioritize community hiring for construction projects, ensuring that local residents—especially those from underserved and marginalized areas—have access to quality employment opportunities. By focusing on hiring within the community, we create economic opportunities that lead to a more prosperous and self-sufficient workforce.

Additionally, WOCC aims to contribute to the homebuilding goals of urban revitalization and sustainable development. By engaging local workers and integrating sustainable building practices, we help create affordable, high-quality homes that benefit the entire community. These efforts align with SOUL Works L3C's broader mission of strengthening communities through sustainable practices, ensuring that the work we do today lays the groundwork for thriving neighborhoods tomorrow.

In essence, WOCC is not just about building homes—it's about building community ownership, economic empowerment, and lasting change.