Sunday night, over 10 million people will watch the ABC EM:HE Buffalo Episode documenting the makeover of Delores Powell’s West Side house. We’re excited because at least a little bit of the spotlight will be on the part we played, the Green Demolition of Delores’s old house in only fifteen hours. This spotlight is the recognition of more than just the transformation of one house, or one neighborhood–it’s a spotlight on the hard work and can-do attitude that Buffalo lives every day.

For us, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the Buffalo Edition, is the culmination of over two years of hard work, ingenuity, and determination. When we started Buffalo ReUse in the Fall of 2006 we did so with the belief that a demolition alternative that reclaims materials, creates jobs, and protects the environment would be great for Buffalo and great for our community.  Although it seemed like a great idea, we weren’t convinced it would work– largely because of the low costs of disposal and the high costs of initiating a new start-up contracting company with very little available capital.

One thing these last two years has taught us is that tenacious attention to reducing costs and increasing efficiency is critical to our long term sustainability. Our mindset and techniques have evolved over time to ensure that we could continue to sustain our effort financially, save materials that otherwise would have been destroyed and dumped, and prove a concept that can advance the Building Re-use industry.

A lot of people have asked, “How much material do you actually save from each house?” The answer is, “Every house is different.” The Powell House was an excellent candidate for reuse because it had a significant quantity of antique rough-sawn lumber, hardwood flooring, doors and molding, cabinetry and hardware, brick and even cut stone. The wood components also came apart cleanly and easily. The sum of these materials was great and almost everything that could be saved, was saved during Extreme Makeover, largely because of the enormous human energy that was available and on hand during the 15 hour effort.

Here’s where things get a bit technical–Despite the tremendous effort, our 93% diversion rate that was recorded and explained in great detail by WasteCap, can easily be misinterpreted. From our perspective, we try to gauge our effectiveness by comparing how much was diverted from the landfill–reclaimed for future use.  We measure what would have otherwise been thrown away.  However, the green building industry has a different approach and attempts to quantify the total recycling and reuse percentage.  A closer look reveals that, in fact, their monitoring is largely skewed towards recycling.

93% diversion means that 93 tons out of every 100 tons of material were recycled or reused. Now, if you think about it, that includes the foundation floor, which was concrete and xx tons, the stone that was an additional xx tons, and even clean fill (dirt) that was removed to expand the foot print of the foundation. Certainly, whether this house was demolished or deconstructed, these materials would have been recycled. Concrete recycling has been the industry norm for decades and there’s always a need for clean fill on development projects in practically every city, at any given time. After all, who would pay $25 – $100 ton to dump concrete or soil in a landfill, when it can be dumped for free at a concrete recycling yard or a construction site? Once you remove those tonnages, you can get down to the gnitty gritty of how effective the reuse effort really was.

We’ve learned that we can reliably divert 25 – 40% of a residential building, by weight, from the landfill–that’s what we mean by Green Demolition. On the surface, that rate may not seem terribly significant; however, that material often represents over $10,000 in material value, significant tax savings for our clients, and a reliable source of high quality materials to enable our future efforts.

While we are able to save a lot of materials, we must still throw some away. People are surprised to learn we rarely reclaim any 2×4’s from our demolition projects. The reason for this is that walls require a significant labor investment–to harvest a handful of 2×4’s that have a very low value–we can’t spend even fifty cents worth of labor on an item that sells for $1.25. This labor investment greatly increases the cost of the project, without significantly increasing the value of the materials reclaimed. Consequently, we’ve focused on harvesting the materials with the greatest value: interior elements, rafters, floor joists, brick, stone, and windows. By being selective about what we make the effort to save; we are able to complete projects faster; and move on to more projects to reclaim more valuable material. So at the end of the day, our percentage of materials reclaimed per project is less, but, since we deconstruct more houses in any given period, we reclaim significantly more material.

The reality of the situation is that the building reuse industry is young and just beginning to crawl. While the many efforts of the BMRA (Building Materials ReUse Association) are consistent and admirable, there’s a tremendous need for advocacy work, policy support, and recycling research to really develop and expand the industry. Efforts in the reuse industry can be further advanced through more research and development into the use of recycled materials such as roofing shingles, drywall, plaster, wood waste, and vinyl products. We need more people in the country engaged in building reuse, so that we can share our learning and techniques to improve the entire industry overall.

Finally, we need policy support to ensure that recycling and reuse is a larger priority for the entire country. One of our greatest challenges remains that it is just too cheap and easy to throw things away. There’s no economic incentive for businesses, governments, and even homeowners to embrace recycling and reuse in a significant way.  Buffalo ReUse is doing its best to innovate techniques to enable the reuse of the largest quantity of materials possible, but we need a lot of players at the table to ensure that the reuse industry grows and expands in the coming years. Our collective efforts will create the new status quo for demolition that creates jobs locally, channels money into local economies, and protects the environment.

We initially agreed to support the Extreme Makeover project because we believed it was a tremendous opportunity to showcase the advances that have been made in the industry and demonstrate to the world the potential that exists for green demolition and reuse. Through this episode, Green Demolition has been put on the map!   Now we need your help to grow and expand the effort, so it can be scaled and expanded throughout the country to support the green jobs movement and protection of our environment in a time of widescale global warming. We invite you to get involved. Become a member of Buffalo ReUse and the BMRA and share your expertise, ideas, and energy.

ATTENTION: Architects, Green Builders, Artists & Designers
Buffalo ReUse is assembling a working group to brainstorm, research, and explore the feasibility of a new, innovative building and reuse idea.  Imagine real Green Housing and Neighborhoods in Buffalo.
If you have an interest in green building, architectural design, interior design–particularly with reused building materials, please join us. We also need folks with knowledge of alternative heating systems, alternative building materials, and residential building codes.

We welcome those of you who have an interest in brainstorming and working on a very out-of-the-box building reuse, rehabilitation, and eco-friendly project with a unique twist.  We will hold an introductory meeting to overview the intention of the project on Monday, January 11th at 6:30 p.m. at 158 Eaton Street.

If you are unable to attend, but would like to be included in the email group to receive updates for future meetings please send a short interest email to rehome {at} buffaloreuse(.)org

Part Seven of a Series

This series of informational blog posts come from a document Mike,Caesandra and Kevin created to help orient new Buffalo ReUse board members to our mission,vision,values and the actual history of our organization. Earlier parts: One Two Three Four Five Six

The demolition business certainly has more challenges to achieve financial self-sustainability, but this aspect of our organization has created an identity for our organization and captivates the imagination of people in so many other cities who call us with great regularity to learn about what we do.  We’re convinced if we can make green demolition work here in Buffalo, it can work anywhere. 

There are challenges.  For one, as mentioned earlier, the cost paid per ton for waste disposal here in Western New York is extremely low.  Waste diversion is our greatest competitive advantage over traditional demolition.  However, in Buffalo, 50 tons of diversion only saves us $1,250.  In New Jersey, that same diversion would save us $6,250.  If there were higher disposal rates here in Buffalo, we could invest more of the savings into the higher labor costs associated with our method. 

Demolition contracting is also “CASH FLOW” intensive.  Lots of money comes in and goes out the door.  Thus, as a not-for-profit we have the immense challenge of balancing these transactions without a line of credit.  This situation created many of the cash flow challenges we experienced during the winter of 2008, while we were waiting for reimbursements for State Grants. 

Finally, equipment rental costs are exorbitant.  Had we financed a machine when we first started, we would have more then paid for that machine by now with the funds that we’ve spent on equipment rental alone.  Equipment rental also puts immense pressure on the organization to complete projects in an expedient fashion.  We pay per month and for the purposes of estimating we figure we can complete two projects per month.  However, if a project takes thee weeks because of weather challenges, we end up paying more for equipment rental, and we lose money.  Owning a used all-terrain forklift will provide more project flexibility, and decrease our demolition costs per project.  It’s an asset that will retain its value and can be sold in the future if green demolition proves to be infeasible for Buffalo ReUse. 
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BUILDING MATERIAL REUSE
ALTERNATIVES EXIST!
Disposal of ReUsable Materials is no longer an option!

I don’t talk much about the fellowship Buffalo ReUse was awarded from the Echoing Green Foundation in 2007, but I have tremendous respect for the mission of Echoing Green in supporting cutting edge ideas, social innovators, and entrepreneurship (www.echoinggreen.org). This foundation is cutting edge because they support risk takers, efforts committed to action and outcomes, and innovations that have the potential to create positive change.

Echoing Green is taking the lead in supporting a paradigm shift in how not for profits can be structured and sustained in the future. Social ventures conduct business in a thoughtful and meaningful way, responding to critical community and social needs, while also generating revenue to fund programmatic goals and operational expenses. It has long been the priority of Buffalo ReUse to strive for long term financial sustainability through a viable earned income model. This model has immense potential, but we need your help!

Our primary service, green demolition, depends largely on developers, builders, government, and homeowners being aware that alternatives exist. They need to know there are options to demolition that protect the environment, support local hiring and training, and save them money. Over the next few months, we’ll focus our marketing and media efforts to communicate the benefits of this service. When buildings are being taken down, we want ReUse to be at the table.

Material reclamation and salvage is a second service that helps residents, builders, retailers, and demolition contractors divert material from the landfill (and save money at the same time). In the coming months we will all witness tons of materials placed street side for bulk trash pickups. Rehabilitation projects will result in tons of reusable materials being senselessly tossed into dumpsters and carted to landfills. Scratch and dent and surplus materials are often discarded because they take up valuable retail space and because low disposal rates offer a quick and efficient solution.
We can’t continue on the course of rampant consumption and disposal; materials must be reclaimed and reused. The acquisition of these materials creates a supply of low cost materials for folks in the neighborhood supporting rehabilitation and repairs.

The ReSOURCE, our low cost building supply store and education destination, offers unique materials, low cost materials, and architectural elements for architects, artists, homeowners, landlords, contractors, developers, and builders. The revenues we generate support our neighborhood development efforts and help us grow and maintain the space. Volunteers and interns play a huge part in growing and developing the store to facilitate sales and educate our customers about the use and reuse of reclaimed materials.

We need to expand these services. Community awareness, marketing, targeted outreach, and media networking are critical components in casting the net so more folks know that alternatives exist.

The Vision:  To achieve long term financial self sustainability through the expansion of our services, the acquisition of materials, the development of new markets for reused materials, and the growth of sales at the ReSource.

The NEEDS:

• Marketing Experts and Strategic Planners who can assist in the development of a plan for expanding our services in the region.
• Graphic designers who can create new print materials for targeted mailings, posters, leaflets, etc which engage the public visually.
• Social networking to expand our existing presence on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and on our Blog.
• Website Developers to create new designs and approaches to market our services at www.buffaloreuse.org.
• Database designers and data entry support – it’s critical for us to organize our contacts and supporters and maintain a list of current clients and potential clients.
• Media Consultants to support media outreach and networking to get information about our services out to the community.
• Special Events Planners to plan, coordinate, and facilitate special events that spread awareness of our mission and purpose.
• Videographers, musicians, and photographers who can develop and distribute through a variety of media a clear picture of the scope of our services.

The STEPS to get involved:

• Send an email to volunteer {at} buffaloreuse(.)org with a description of your ideas and interests, including your contact information.
• Attend planning, sessions, brainstorms, and events where the planning and implementation for these ideas will begin and take place.  We’ll inform you of sessions relevant to your interests.

Implementation: Michael Gainer and Caesandra Seawell are coordinating the effort to expand demand for our services. Stay tuned for upcoming organizing meetings.

Onward,

Michael and the ReUse Gang

You’re probably not surprised by Buffalo ReUse’s commitment to the environment, after all, we RECYCLE and REUSE houses. We have created an economic model to reclaim materials that would have otherwise been senselessly dumped in our landfill. Every ton of material we divert from the landfill represents a marked decline in the demand for virgin materials harvested from our forests, transported thousands of miles, and manufactured. This process is both energy intensive and environmentally destructive. By purchasing a locally reclaimed product you are making a conscientious decision to protect our environment, while also incorporating unique building elements into your rehabilitation or art project. Mother Nature is smiling!

At the ReSource, located at 298 Northampton Street, we want to inform and model other ways that folks can reduce their energy consumption, save money, AND protect the planet. In 2009, we intend to generate power from photovoltaic solar panels; collect rainwater for gardens; begin running our fleet on biodiesel; and install a green roof and rain gardens to decrease runoff and protect our water supply. In addition, we intend for the ReSource to be a destination for community engagement and education. It will be a  place where folks can bring their friends and family to learn about Buffalo’s unique architectural history; celebrate the history of this region and discuss with others various ideas for making home improvements with an emphasis on style and character.

Researchers…to investigate technology that is applicable to our current uses at the ReSource and that enables energy independence within two years.
• Technicians…to take the lead and assist on the installation of solar panels for energy creation; manufacturing of biodiesel for fleet use; design of infrastructure for rain water collection and gray water reuse; design and installation of green roofs/green gardens/rain gardens; and to advise and develop other technologies to assist with conservation and wise use of resources.
Educators and Trainers…to share their wisdom and expertise with others, through workshops and trainings.
• Artists, designers, and interpreters…to build educational exhibits at the resource and to expand our presence on the web.
Manufacturers and Engineers willing to donate time, expertise, infrastructure, supplies, and materials
Grant researchers/writers…to identify potential sources of local, state, and national funding from public and private sources for energy conservation, education, etc.

The STEPS to get involved:

• Send an email to volunteer {at} buffaloreuse(.)org with a description of your ideas and interests, including your contact information.
• Attend planning, sessions, brainstorms, and events where the planning and implementation for these ideas will begin and take place.  We will inform you of sessions relevant to your interests.
• Invite those other community orgs you love to come and collab with us and share themselves with our neighbors at our Earth Warming Party/OPEN HOUSE, Saturday April 25th!
  
• Start sketching and experimenting; bring us your mockettes and mashed potato models!

Implementation: Kevin Hayes, Peter Riphahn, Ian MacDonald and Caesandra are leading the charge to develop the ReSource as a Destination for community engagement and environmental stewardship. Projects will be on-going throughout the year and implemented primarily with the initiation, energy, and expertise of committed volunteers like you.

Stay Tuned…for our final edition of TIME and TALENT:  Part 4…”there’s so much to do, these things are just a few”!

Onward,
Michael and the ReUse Gang

When I was a kid I used to watch Captain Kangaroo, it was one of my favorite shows! Actually, when I retire from ReUse, I’d love to have a kids TV show that highlights the people and efforts that are changing the world. It would have the theme . . . “there’s so much to do, these things are just a few.” The focus would be on ideas . . . on creativity, innovation, and action . . . . Maybe I’d even don a polyester suit, get a bowl haircut, and grow a mustache . . . you never know!

We started the first day of 2009 with a call to our volunteers and visionaries! We’ve posted it to the our blog for those of you not on our volunteer list. This VOLUNTEER series is intended to share with you the many ideas that we have for 2009 and to recruit more action makers to help bring both your and our ideas to life. We see so many possibilities (so much potential!) for strengthening urban communities, for improving the quality of life here in Buffalo, and for education and learning . . .

There is a common perception that ReUSE is JUST about taking down buildings . . . as you read these emails, you’ll quickly learn the vision is much greater. As you read through the email series, think about your potential contribution, but also, consider forwarding it to others you know who may be interested. We’d so greatly appreciate it.

PART I: GREEN THUMBS and THINKERS UNITE!
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Back when I led young people in the woods building trails, I always ended our expedition by reading the story “Hope for the Flowers,” by Trina Paulus. It’s a touching story about personal growth, setting and attaining life goals, and transformation–told from the perspective of two caterpillars, Stripe and Yellow. If you’ve never read it, you should share it with the children in your life, a loved one, or friends (young and old). This summer, Buffalo ReUse will share those same values with over 15 summer youth eager to learn, explore, grow. It will be our first summer initiating our Green Summer Program. With your support, we’re confident it too can be a transformative experience for Buffalo neighborhoods, the youth involved, and all of those touched by our effort.

The goals of Green Summer are quite simple.

1. Surround young people with supportive and caring mentors that will provide positive leadership development and training experiences in Buffalo neighborhoods.
2. Engage youth in projects that improve inner-city neighborhoods through the creation of new green spaces, the maintenance of existing assets, and service projects that support existing resources and programs.
3. Create a community of mentors, youth, and families that encourages critical thinking and problem solving; action that improves our neighborhoods; and understanding and respect for individual differences.

In two weeks, we’ll launch this unique program and we need your financial support. Your contribution will complement recently committed funding from the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo, for hand tools and materials for green-space projects and the City of Buffalo, who will pay the stipends for the youth involved. We are working to raise funds to pay the amazing mentors that have stepped forward to pioneer this action-packed experience for youth and buy the a van that will transport them on their journey.

To make a contribution via PayPal, click on this link http://www.buffaloreuse.org/Donate/Donate or reply to this email with a commitment. Checks can be sent to Buffalo ReUse, Inc., P.O. Box 1132, Buffalo, NY 14213. (Please put GREEN SUMMER in the memo line).

If a financial contribution is not possible, we invite you to get involved as a volunteer mentor or resource person. We’re looking for gardeners, landscapers, horticulturalists, cooks, artists, engineers, ecologists, handy and creative folks of all kinds, and people eager to make a difference in the lives of youth. We’ll keep you informed of community events and activities planned as the summer moves along. In addition, we need flowers, seeds, plants, trees, topsoil, compost, surplus garden tools, and 12 or 15 passenger van (you’ll get the super contributor of the year award if you help us land this). Send us an email with your thoughts and ideas!

Here’s a real-life example of what we mean…
The photos included are of a community garden and outdoor learning lab recently “re-discovered” on Buffalo’s east side. It was designed to serve the community as a space for social interaction and education. Unfortunately, the site has been neglected. Here in Buffalo, we have amazing assets; it is our responsibility to maintain existing resources and support the creation of new spaces for community engagement. Participants of Green Summer will take an active role, not only in maintaining this unique destination, but in creating new ones. We’ll clean vacant lots and improve green spaces, beautify urban neighborhoods, and provide positive learning experiences for teens. With your contribution our communities can achieve their potential and become inviting places to live and visit–from caterpillar to cocoon, to butterfly . . . as Yellow explains to Stripe, “Once you are a butterfly, you can really love — the kind of love that makes new life. It’s better than all the hugging caterpillars can do.”

One of my favorite stories on the planet, “The Lorax,” by Dr. Seuss, teaches about the importance of caring for our planet, and for respecting the trees. As an educator, I’ve shared this story with hundreds of youngsters. Creating different creepy and fun voices (respectively) for the Once-ler and the Lorax was always a hoot. If you haven’t read it, pick it up from the library and share it with your loved one, a youngster, or a stranger on the street. You’ll be happy you did. One of the messages in the story is that we all have a role in preserving and protecting the planet. There are many more…in his rhythmic style, Dr. Seuss criticizes consumerism, wastefulness, and pollution. But his closing words, “UNLESS, someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing will get better, it’s not,” rings most true to me. That it is all of our responsibility to reverse both social and economic trends that currently cause systemic, ecological chaos.

Last weekend, Buffalo ReUse “opened to the public,” its ReSource and it was an inspiring start for engaging new friends and introducing many old friends to the new space! For us, it was particularly poignant to have one of our apprentices, Cheryl Mingo, do the honors and bust down the door! It represents so much to us–not just access to the building, but access to opportunity, community, valuable experiences and a lifestyle that does not harm the environment or others.

Paul T. Hogan, Vice President of The Oishei Foundation also gave a special toast explaining why they support our mission and he said, “There are many ‘Michael Gainers’ in Buffalo! And we know it is true, there are many Buffalonians with the vision and the energy to do more in Buffalo and we are excited to work together. What other doors can we open?

Yes, ReSource is a retail and education destination which sells salvaged doors and sinks, but it also shares inspiration and ideas for living a more globally responsible lifestyle that respects and shares all life(forms). It’s a place where you can learn how to live and make a home and more--learn to compost, care for gardens, refinish tin ceilings, conserve and diversify energy sources, volunteer, make a head board for your bed, pick up a recycling bin, and investigate green collar job opportunities. Not only will the ReSource be a place of ideas, but it is and will continue to be a place of action. In the upcoming weeks we’ll be preparing soil for the planting of gardens across the city; tending to our 150 newly planted trees; and creating more educational opportunities for the community and visitors that support our effort from near and far.

Just like trees, ReSource needs healthy roots. We’re already making improvements to the building and the property every day. We are establishing a structure for education and creating a community where people are connected to the positive changes happening right now in Buffalo. To that end, Buffalo ReUse has initiated a capital fundraising campaign to purchase our building and make the necessary modifications and improvements to firmly anchor the ReSource in our community.
We are seeking supporters that would be interested in hosting a house party to share the vision of Buffalo ReUse with more people and assist with fundraising. Are you willing to throw a party and invite your friends? If so, contact Jessica Biegaj development {at} buffaloreuse(.)org and she can discuss details. We’re hoping to show our upcoming Sundance Channel feature episode of “Big Ideas for a Small Planet” at house parties and we can assist you in getting the wheels turning for how to plan and host a bash to support ReUse.

We have a pile of dreams-goals; we welcome and encourage your ideas and involvement because we need to make a big impact. We need folks from across the city joining the effort to clean and green our neighborhoods, recycle and reuse materials that would otherwise be tossed, and initiate creative solutions to the, at times, overwhelming ecological and social problems we face. If you don’t know how or where to begin, stop by the ReSource, 298 Northampton Street, and look around for some ideas or for a partner to assist, you never know what you might stumble upon.

Our growth as an organization is dependent on creating a thriving community–inspiring young adults and supporting positive action. I draw inspiration from the words of Dr. Seuss, “plant a new seed, treat it will care, give it clean water, and feed it fresh air, protect it from axes that hack, and then the Lorax and all of his friends will come back.”

Finally, we are humbled by all the volunteers that pitched in to get the store ready and make the space hospitable for the Open House events; many were there into the wee hours of the night(s)–Sherry, Nora or they ran around scrambling to pick up supplies–Cynnie, Tysha or they chose to be with us on their vacation?!–Tessa–The Siegels! Our board helped a lot too–by just jumping in with both feet! We’d like to thank Tim Herzog (and Darren & Kirk & Peter and others) who supplied beverages and the two bands, Red and Roxy and Flatbed who performed all day Saturday for free applause!

If you haven’t already shown up at our doorstep–the door is open and the welcome mat is swept!

Buffalo ReUse Announced As Finalist for Global Award

The Urban Land Institute and the Financial Times cite Buffalo ReUse as one of 20 finalists for 2008 FT ULI Sustainable Cities Award

(BUFFALO) – The Financial Times and the Urban Land Institute have selected Buffalo ReUse as one of 20 finalists for the 2008 FT ULI Sustainable Cities Award based on nominations received from around the world. Buffalo ReUse was nominated for this award by Assemblymember Sam Hoyt and Ciminelli Development.

“It is a great honor to be a finalist for this international award, and I hope that it brings greater attention to the potential for waste diversion, job creation, young adult training and mentoring, community building, and blight reduction made possible through deconstruction,” said Michael Gainer, Buffalo ReUse Executive Director.

The FT ULI Sustainable Cities Award recognizes innovative programs that address land use issues that are both environmentally conscious and globally relevant.

“Buffalo ReUse should serve as a model for other communities to reduce waste dumped in our landfills, to employ young adults from our inner city, and to work with community members to make neighborhoods greener, which is why I nominated the organization for this award,” said New York State Assemblymember Sam Hoyt.

The FT ULI Sustainable Cities Awards will be announced in London on June 16, 2008.

Buffalo ReUse is a not-for-profit organization committed to developing the practice of deconstruction to serve as a vehicle for job creation, building materials reclamation, and community development.

Special thanks to Sam Hoyt and Teresa Glanowski for nominating us for the award!

and . . . [drumroll please]

We just opened up a letter that announced Buffalo ReUse, Inc. is now an OFFICIALLY verified 501c3 organization with the federal government. My niece, Hadley, expresses our excitement best!

The Spring rains have arrived, but at least we can finally feel our fingertips and toes. Though we continued deconstruction services and opened the Re-Source and kept it open every week for customers during the cruel winter months, we’re ecstatic for the coming of spring. We’re energized to begin exciting projects in the neighborhood. We have big plans for gardens and park spaces; artistic murals to beautify blighted buildings; and educational opportunities, as well as, unique materials for sale at the ReSOURCE. Finally, we’re already at the point where we can further expand our hours. Next week, the ReSource will always be open Tuesdays through Fridays, 7:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9 to 5. (Update: we’re now open Saturdays 7:30-5) We welcome you to stop in and peruse our ever growing inventory of rescued building materials.

Thank you for your on-going support.

As always, we invite you to get involved and be a part of the action! Please check out the updates below for upcoming volunteer opportunities and events.

Blight vs. Beauty

Donn Esmonde of the Buffalo News ran a commentary in this Friday’s City&Region (Section D) describing the lift in morale of the proprietors on High Street who work and live near the vacant house adopted during the Neighborhood Peace Mural Project. So many people have already been touched by that small house–the students at The Locust Street Art School who painted the panels, the groups from UB and Daemen college that focus on neighborhood transformation and the volunteers from St. Bonaventure who secure the boards to the building. We will continue boarding up more houses as the City allows.

Are you spring cleaning or upgrading your home this season?
Now is the time to get rid of the junk in your garage and basement and attic. You can donate your old sinks, counters, cabinets, tubs and other materials to us instead of leaving it on the curb or paying the landfill fees. If it fits in your car–bring it to us! If it’s too bulky for you to manage, we can schedule a pick up. (pssst, if it’s on the curb in front of your neighbors’–you can still call us!)

Mayor Youth Summer Employment Program

Do you know someone who would like to be a Buffalo ReUse Apprentice? We are so excited about the opportunity to engage with more youth in Buffalo this summer! We’ve been approved as a job site and will provide multiple experiences–green space development, urban planning, salvage pick ups, retail support, materials processing, among others. Applicants must be 14-21yrs old and there are other requirements established by the BETC. You can pick up the application from us at the ReSource, download it here or at the BETC. The deadline is Friday May 30th.

Save-the-Date(s)

• Saturday April 12th; Volunteers from Canisus College and also UB join us to board up a house near BAVPA; come out to help with that or at the ReSource and meet . . . EVERYBODY!
• First weekend in May; we’ve registered with ReTree WNY to plant 143 trees in the Masten Park and Cold Spring neighborhoods (this is around us and Queen City Farm) There will be more details about this event very soon