Survey Shows Skilled Labor as Top Barrier to Disaster Recovery
Key Highlights
- The skilled labor shortage is identified as a major barrier to efficient disaster recovery in the U.S.
- Over 60% of professional contractors cite access to qualified labor as their top need for recovery projects.
- Nearly half of the current construction workforce is expected to retire by 2031, exacerbating labor shortages.
ATLANTA — New research from The Home Depot Foundation and Morning Consult identifies the skilled labor shortage as a major barrier to post-disaster rebuilding across the United States.
The survey found that nearly 60% of Americans lack high confidence in their community’s ability to rebuild quickly following a natural disaster. Among professional contractors who have worked on disaster recovery projects, 60% cited access to qualified labor as their greatest need.
According to the research, workforce constraints persist even when funding is available, creating delays in long-term recovery. One-third of U.S. adults reported their communities have been affected by a natural disaster in the past five years, and 52% of those involved in rebuilding said recovery took longer than expected.
The findings also point to broader workforce pressures. With 40% of the current construction workforce expected to retire by 2031, the shrinking talent pool is contributing to prolonged rebuilding timelines and economic impacts in disaster-affected regions.
Residents in recently impacted areas, including Los Angeles, Texas, North Carolina, Tampa, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky, reported challenges with long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts, according to the survey.
In response, The Home Depot Foundation is expanding its Path to Pro workforce development initiatives. In 2026, the Path to Pro Education Grants program will expand nationwide, allowing construction trade programs to invest in tools, equipment, and training facilities.
The Foundation is also continuing Path to Pro Scholarships as part of its $3 million commitment to Southern California wildfire recovery, awarding $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing construction-related education within 60 miles of Los Angeles.
Additional efforts include a $1 million partnership with Team Rubicon to support a workforce development pilot that provides industry-recognized Home Builders Institute credentials to veterans and volunteers supporting disaster recovery.
The online survey included 6,348 U.S. adults and was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of The Home Depot Foundation between November 26 and December 17, 2025.
Note: This piece was created with the help of generative AI tools and edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.