Research Highlights Skilled Labor Shortage as Major Barrier to Post-Disaster Recovery Efforts
In light of the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, a new study conducted by The Home Depot Foundation and Morning Consult has highlighted a critical issue in the recovery process: the shortage of skilled labor in the construction sector. As communities struggle to rebuild, many are facing a substantial delay attributed to the lack of qualified professionals to undertake the necessary work. The survey revealed that a staggering 60% of Americans expressed doubts about their community’s ability to recover swiftly from disasters, indicating a widespread worry about preparedness and response capabilities.
The findings were particularly concerning among professional contractors who have hands-on experience with disaster recovery. They identified skilled labor as their most pressing need, emphasizing that financial resources alone are insufficient for effective rebuilding.
The investigation uncovered that nearly 36% of adults reported experiencing a natural disaster in their communities within the last five years. Of those involved in reconstruction, over half (52%) believed that the recovery was taking longer than anticipated. Furthermore, a significant 78% of residents from regions recently affected by disasters—like Los Angeles, Texas, North Carolina, Tampa, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky—pointed to ongoing challenges in long-term recovery efforts.
The construction industry workforce is poised for an upcoming crisis, with nearly 40% projected to retire by 2031. This impending wave of retirements creates a talent void that could economically cripple disaster-stricken areas, illustrating the urgent need for programs like the Path to Pro initiative by The Home Depot Foundation. This initiative aims to provide accessible pathways for individuals interested in pursuing careers in skilled trades.
The survey results echo a pressing warning from Erin Izen, the Executive Director of The Home Depot Foundation, who noted that communities recovering from disasters are facing significant delays largely due to the lack of available labor. In light of these findings, the Foundation is committed to ensuring that competent labor is available to meet the demands of reconstruction efforts.
To tackle this national challenge, The Home Depot Foundation is enhancing its Path to Pro workforce development initiatives. Specific measures include:
Team Rubicon’s Vice President of Workforce Development, Danica Deming, noted the escalating gap in skilled labor and emphasized the importance of investing in vocational training. Collaborative efforts like those with The Home Depot Foundation are deemed crucial for building resilient communities prepared to face and recover from storms and disasters.
Launched in 2018 with an investment of $50 million, The Home Depot Foundation's Path to Pro program seeks to prepare the next generation of skilled workers amid a growing labor shortage in the U.S. With its myriad partnerships, Path to Pro offers numerous free certification programs, youth engagement initiatives, and training support for individuals seeking employment in the construction sector through a robust network.
The online survey, comprising responses from 6,348 American adults, was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of The Home Depot Foundation between November 26 and December 17, 2025. These findings stress the urgency of addressing the skilled labor gap, positioning the construction workforce as a pivotal element in disaster recovery efforts.
To learn more about the Path to Pro initiative and participate in upcoming programs, please visit HomeDepotFoundation.org. Follow The Home Depot Foundation on X @HomeDepotFound and on Facebook and Instagram @HomeDepotFoundation.
The findings were particularly concerning among professional contractors who have hands-on experience with disaster recovery. They identified skilled labor as their most pressing need, emphasizing that financial resources alone are insufficient for effective rebuilding.
The investigation uncovered that nearly 36% of adults reported experiencing a natural disaster in their communities within the last five years. Of those involved in reconstruction, over half (52%) believed that the recovery was taking longer than anticipated. Furthermore, a significant 78% of residents from regions recently affected by disasters—like Los Angeles, Texas, North Carolina, Tampa, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky—pointed to ongoing challenges in long-term recovery efforts.
The construction industry workforce is poised for an upcoming crisis, with nearly 40% projected to retire by 2031. This impending wave of retirements creates a talent void that could economically cripple disaster-stricken areas, illustrating the urgent need for programs like the Path to Pro initiative by The Home Depot Foundation. This initiative aims to provide accessible pathways for individuals interested in pursuing careers in skilled trades.
The survey results echo a pressing warning from Erin Izen, the Executive Director of The Home Depot Foundation, who noted that communities recovering from disasters are facing significant delays largely due to the lack of available labor. In light of these findings, the Foundation is committed to ensuring that competent labor is available to meet the demands of reconstruction efforts.
To tackle this national challenge, The Home Depot Foundation is enhancing its Path to Pro workforce development initiatives. Specific measures include:
- - Expansion of Path to Pro Education Grants: In 2026, this program will reach all 50 states, aiming to provide vocational training programs for individuals pursuing careers in construction. This will include support for K-12 schools, community colleges, technical schools, and non-profit organizations seeking tools and resources for training spaces.
- - Path to Pro Scholarships: As part of a previously committed $3 million investment for wildfire recovery in Southern California, the Foundation is continuing to provide $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing construction education, especially those located within 60 miles of Los Angeles. More than 70 scholarships have already been awarded, supplementing hundreds of others distributed via the national scholarship program.
- - Collaboration with Team Rubicon: A $1 million partnership will facilitate a pilot program aimed at providing credentials from the Home Builders Institute (HBI) to veterans and volunteers, equipping them with essential skills that are recognized across the construction industry.
Team Rubicon’s Vice President of Workforce Development, Danica Deming, noted the escalating gap in skilled labor and emphasized the importance of investing in vocational training. Collaborative efforts like those with The Home Depot Foundation are deemed crucial for building resilient communities prepared to face and recover from storms and disasters.
Launched in 2018 with an investment of $50 million, The Home Depot Foundation's Path to Pro program seeks to prepare the next generation of skilled workers amid a growing labor shortage in the U.S. With its myriad partnerships, Path to Pro offers numerous free certification programs, youth engagement initiatives, and training support for individuals seeking employment in the construction sector through a robust network.
The online survey, comprising responses from 6,348 American adults, was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of The Home Depot Foundation between November 26 and December 17, 2025. These findings stress the urgency of addressing the skilled labor gap, positioning the construction workforce as a pivotal element in disaster recovery efforts.
To learn more about the Path to Pro initiative and participate in upcoming programs, please visit HomeDepotFoundation.org. Follow The Home Depot Foundation on X @HomeDepotFound and on Facebook and Instagram @HomeDepotFoundation.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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