Although it seems recently that most of my days have been spent dismantling houses, moving materials, and meeting with collaborators to expand our scope and strengthen our mission, my primary intention when I first came to Buffalo in November 2005 was initiation of a leadership development and training program for young adults. When I started playing with the idea of deconstruction as a method for removing vacant and abandoned housing, in the back of my mind, I was thinking this could be an excellent vehicle to train young adults, create jobs in the neighborhood, and expand opportunities for neighborhood development. Even though that was my intention, that’s not how we started. I believed that before we could bring young adults onboard we first had to experiment with the hybrid-deconstruction technique ourselves. We needed to perform some training internally, try some different things, and practice, practice, practice.

Initiating a new effort is not for everyone. It’s difficult being engaged in the creative process of developing something that’s not been done before, where there isn’t a history or a culture, and where each day is filled with numerous unexpected challenges. It requires a lot of patience, because systems and procedures aren’t perfect and everyone is in learning mode. Then, add to the mix challenging weather and harsh working conditions and many people might shake their heads and walk away. It’s been a rocky road at times.

So, for me, what’s most extraordinary is that despite all the challenges, our initial staff members: Amanda Alessandra, Jon Markle, and Anthony Morrow, have risen to every challenge and have been active innovators in creating a solid field team. They’ve exhibited tremendous persistence and commitment to the effort of building reuse; they have demonstrated an amazing ability to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities, while also driving each project towards completion. Now, six months into this experiment, we’ve worked together to deconstruct over 10 structures, salvage scores of other buildings that were slated for demolition, and began the development of the ReSource, our retail and education location.

Although our learning curve is steep, we discover something new every day that makes our work more efficient and safe. Now we’re focusing on the next chapter in our organizational growth. About a week ago, I returned to the office after a day in the field, with a smile from ear to ear. We had just finished the first day of work with our first three, young adult apprentices, from Catholic Charities. This is our pilot program to train young adults competitive job skills, provide supportive mentoring and complete tangible projects that improve inner-city neighborhoods. For me, this day was the manifestation of our true mission and the realization that we were now steaming forward with a plan to create more connections for young men and women currently out of school and out of work.

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In mid-February Michael drove down to Virginia to cheer on his sister, Heather, as she gave birth to Michael’s first niece (and Barb&Larry Gainer’s first grandbaby). Naturally, Michael is very proud of Hadley and couldn’t wait to get her involved in Buffalo ReUse. What task might be suitable for an activist that’s so young and whose main priority in life is attaining nourishment and affection??
Outreach?
Marketing?
Publicity? Of Course!  Little baby bellies are a perfect spot for a graphic–babies are irresistable and highly portable. So, Hadley just does what babies do best–be a magnet for attention! We sent Hadley a prototype for a tee/decal design we’re working on. How does it look?
We’re excited to watch Hadley and BRI grow!
p.s. Our own Anthony Morrow has a new addition in his family too; we’ll bring you some pics soon!

It’s amazing! In just a few weeks, 30 art classes and youth organizations have stepped forward to participate in the Neighborhood Peace Mural Project, an effort to address blight in the neighborhoods surrounding schools and to empower youth to take an active role in improving their communities. The endeavor has been greeted with tremendous enthusiasm by students, their teachers and principals alike; it offers the opportunity for so many students to display their artwork, improve our neighborhoods, and discuss the topics of peace, community, and government.

Despite the excitement of those currently invested in the project, we have struggled to get the support of building supply stores for donations of materials to enable the project. Many company contacts, though supportive of the project, point to high demands for plywood due to storms as a reason why they are unable to provide a donation of 400 plywood boards. With one exception, Niemiec’s Builder’s Supply (716) 884-6990 at 800 Grant Street, who committed 25 boards for the project. A huge thank you to Niemiec’s for stepping up to support the project! We also want to thank Hyatt’s Art Supply for donating some new acrylic paint tubes and brushes!

Because of the crunch, we have yet to meet our demand for board up materials/canvasses for this project. Although we haven’t received all the donations of boards needed to get us going with the project, we want to thank the many folks from the community who have stepped forward with donations of house paint…a way to recycle your unused paint for a purpose. We’ll continue to accept primer and house paint in our store at 298 Northampton Street, please contact Kevin 308-7399 to coordinate a drop off…all colors/blends are welcome!

With the intention of keeping this project moving forward, we are asking for your financial support. We are spearheading a sponsorship campaign to raise the funds necessary to get this project off the ground.

We’re also meeting with the City of Buffalo on Monday, with hopes that they will commit support for the project. If they come through in a big way (provide the plywood panels), we will commit all raised funds to greenspace projects this spring to purchase plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and gardening materials to create dynamic community gardens and micro parks.

So please help spread the word!

$135 Full sponsorship for one school…would cover the costs for 20 canvasses for peace and supplies.

$65 Ten boards to support a community group that has adopted a vacant house in a Buffalo neighborhood near its school. (If you want to bring the boards that you’ve purchased–that’s wonderful too!)

$30 A big step towards getting us rolling.

Your sponsorships will go to work immediately! We have deliveries scheduled for this Monday with materials that have been pledged so far, yet, we have a long way to go. Please respond by email with your commitment for materials OR go straight to our donation page. Your participation will be critical to enabling the project.

Also, Mark your Calendars! On Saturday, March 8th….join us for the Neighborhood Peace Mural Exhibition at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, 453 Porter Ave, from 6-8 p.m. You’ll have an opportunity to meet the young artists and see many of the canvasses that will blanket neighborhoods around schools.

Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you!

Onward,

Buffalo ReUse Staff and Volunteers

Happy New Year Buffalo ReUSE Supporters!

When I reflect on several of the meetings that we’ve had already in this 2008, it’s easy to get excited about a new year of opportunities.

As you may know, the creation of a youth training component at Buffalo ReUse is one of greatest priorities in 2008. The goal of our reCONNECT program is to develop a network that provides: relevant and meaningful job training opportunities in our communities; holistic GED training; and supportive mentoring for out of school youth. As part of this program, Buffalo ReUSE is actively engaged in the creation of a new education coalition here in Buffalo. Currently, the main purpose of our discussions is establishing the framework for a new youth development and training program for young adults that are out of school. Additionally, we’re interested in building a coalition of organizations and individuals, committed to advocating on behalf of the needs of youth to ensure that public policy decisions are made that create more opportunities for the youth in our community.
So far, our collaborating has been inspiring! Individuals from the South Buffalo Education Center, New Directions, Growing Green, Stop the Violence Coalition, SEIU 1199, and Buffalo ReUse are generating the momentum necessary to expand on existing efforts.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments!

In other news, the reSOURCE, an educational and community destination, offering quality salvaged materials at an affordable price, is under development. We’re negotiating with the building owner to purchase the warehouse located at 298 Northampton St and creating plans for building out the space for full-time operation in late March. Currently, you can visit us every Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm or by appointment by calling 716-885-4131.

Our BAR (Buffalo Action for Revitalization) Program will also commence in 2008. If you are a part of an organization or company searching for a community service project, please consider supporting the revitalization of Buffalo Neighborhoods. Volunteers will be involved in greening vacant lots and creating new community assets such as pocket parks and urban gardens. Most green space work will begin in the Spring, however, there are volunteer opportunities throughout the winter supporting the development of the reSOURCE, so give us a call. Email Caesandra at volunteer {at} buffaloreuse(.)org for more information.

Finally, we hope you will join us Tuesday, January 15th at 10am for our press conference to kick off the Neighborhood Peace Mural Project. Bennett Park Montessori is hosting the press event in their auditorium. This elaborate project is our first step at city-wide beautification, primarily in the communities that surround our schools. Each participating school (or group) can adopt-a-vacant-house within sight of their school and use the house as a canvas for peace. Students will paint their interpretations of peace on board-up materials which will be used to secure and beautify abandoned homes in their neighborhood.
We still need a lot of help in every aspect of this project. If you are a digital photographer, or connected to a school in the City, or a fire department, or a sponsor for materials, or part of any other organizations that would like to be involved or if you would just like to volunteer to assist with the project, please contact caesandra {at} buffaloreuse(.)org .

In addition to the efforts described above, you can tag along as we explore other ventures. We are in discussions with the Building Materials ReUse Association to host the 2008 Conference here in Buffalo next November. We’re exploring methods to preserve houses in the city by addressing community concerns of safety and blight–Heck, you may even cheer us on as Buffalo ReUse moves an entire house in 2008! There’s a lot happening, as always, we welcome your involvement and support! Check out our website or subscribe to our blog to become part of the action.

Onward and all the best to you in the New Year!
Michael
p.s. Join us for a football rematch January 27th, noon, at the reSOURCE!