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Dave Coyle, chief executive of Santa Ana-based Coyle Construction Inc., is no stranger to building structures from the ground up. But now the veteran general contractor is looking to build more than structures.
Through a new workforce training program launched by the Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM), Coyle is helping individuals experiencing homelessness lead self-sufficient lives. In response to a nationwide shortage of skilled labor, OCRM launched a 12-week Skilled Trades Program to help the unhoused learn in-demand trade jobs such as carpentry and plumbing.
Led by Coyle, the course gives students real-world experience by having them build a shed-sized structure that runs 8 feet wide, 8 feet deep and 8 feet tall. Students learn every step of the construction process, from framing to electrical work.
Coyle, whose background is shaped by his own experiences with alcohol involvement, connects with the students on a personal level.
“Your past doesn’t equal your future,” he told the Business Journal. “Yesterday is not today. Through this program, they become more connected to the community and feel they have a real reason to invest in it, rather than staying on the margins.”
Expanding the Double R Ranch
Tustin-based OCRM operates a network of campuses, programs and individual services, including the Double R Ranch, a sprawling, 33-acre working livestock ranch nestled in Silverado Canyon in Orange. Here, men, women and children can experience the healing effects of time spent outdoors with animals, along with hands-on skill training.
Residents—referred to as “students” because they are there to learn and rebuild their lives—commit to an 18–24-month program focused on sobriety, education and personal development.
In 2024, as part of their mission to equip students for long-term success, OCRM expanded the ranch’s programming to include workforce training in fields that are in high demand.
The Skilled Trades Program offers hands-on training in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, drywall installation and more, providing formerly homeless men with a foundation of practical trade skills. Students also learn how to read blueprints, schedule projects, create pricing estimates and complete detailed paperwork.
“Our goal is twofold: to address the labor shortage in essential trades while providing our residents with a clear path to in-demand, well-paying careers,” Bryan Crain, president of the Orange County Rescue Mission, told the Business Journal. “Beyond just job training, this program restores self-worth and helps individuals break the cycle of homelessness by giving them the skills and confidence to achieve long-term stability.”
Previously only open to men living at the Double R Ranch, the program will expand this month to include women residents, as well.
Crain emphasizes the broader significance of these efforts. “Giving someone the ability to earn a good living and provide for their family is a game-changer—not just for them, but for the community as a whole.”
Meeting a Growing Need
The program had a strong start thanks to the Women for Hope, a fundraising group associated with OCRM, which raised the $50,000 needed to purchase tools and supplies to get it off the ground. Since its inception, the program has graduated its first cohort of students and currently has its second group underway, with a total of 20 men participating so far.
“Many remarkable success stories have humble beginnings—starting in the trenches of a job site and rising to life-changing careers,” said Shana Conzelman, chairwoman of Women for Hope. “In fact, my own father-in-law, who grew up during the Great Depression, often said, ‘Learn a trade, and you will never go hungry.’ His words ring just as true today. A trade offers not just a paycheck but a foundation for dignity, independence, and hope.”
The timing of the program couldn’t be better.
According to a 2024 report from Associated Builders and Contractors, the U.S. construction industry needs an estimated 546,000 additional workers this year alone. Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for electricians and plumbers will grow by about 6% over the next decade, creating steady opportunities in industries vital to the region’s economy.
But for many aspiring tradespeople, the cost of training can be a barrier.
Electrician training programs, for example, can range from $3,000-$12,000, according to the Indeed Career Guide. In contrast, OCRM’s program is completely free for its residents, making it an especially accessible option for individuals seeking a fresh start. While the program does not offer official trade certifications, it provides a comprehensive introduction to the trades along with valuable hands-on experience.
Transforming Lives
Graduates of the Skilled Trades Program’s first class have already secured stable jobs in the trades, including at Coyle’s Santa Ana construction company. Others such as training student Raymond Arzola are making strides toward longer-term career goals.
“I learned how to use hand tools the proper and safe way,” Arzola said. “I would like to be a welder and inspector someday, and this class has taught me things that I can apply in studying for my future.”
Coyle noted that the program’s impact extends beyond teaching technical skills.
“The potential for life transformation through this program is enormous,” said Coyle. “We’re not just teaching skills—we’re providing a foundation for long-term success. Many of our students have overcome hardships like substance abuse or domestic violence and this training gives them a tangible way to build a secure future.”