Winter Classes 2010

Hi! There is still space in our series of Fall and Winter classes here at The ReBuilding Center. When you visit the Classes and Workshops home page of our website, you will be able to tell which classes are still coming up and have space available. You can click on any class for more information about the particular class and registration process. 

Here are a few things you should note:
1. Online registration is only available for those paying online through paypal. We will confirm your registration after Paypal has confirmed payment. 

2. If you would like to pay with cash or check, please call us at 503-445-1756 or you can do so in person at The ReBuilding Center’s register—3625 N. Mississippi Ave, 9-6 Mon-Sat and 10-5 Sun.

3. Register soon!  Some classes fill up quickly. Spaces are filled on a first come, first served basis.  

Class Offerings:

Tile it Workshop
Learn to install reclaimed ceramic floor tiles in this two part workshop - a sustainable option for kitchens, bathrooms, and more. In this hands-on course you will gain measuring, cutting, layout, mortar/grout mixing, and installation skills.             

Session 1: Tues Oct 26, 6-9pm and Thurs Oct 28, 6-7:30pm
Session 2: Tues Feb 1, 6-9pm and Thurs Feb 3, 6-7:30pm
Tuition: $40
Instructed by Holly Huntley

Window Repair Workshop
Repair and renew classic wood sash windows to make them fully operable and more energy efficient.  Learn how to rebuild broken frames, replace broken glass, free stuck windows, prep for painting and more.
Sat Dec 4,1-4:30 pm
Tuition: $30
Instructed by John Jones

How to Cut Stairs
Looking at replacing or restoring a set of stairs? Learn to cut set of stair stringers out of recycled wood. Class will teach basic stair math and tool use for cutting a simple set of stairs. Participants will learn about materials selection and the proper construction techniques to build a project that will last.
Wed Jan 26, 6-9pm
Tuition: $25
Instructed by Ken Walker 

Reuse a Door
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to select a door for reuse, mortise hinges in a simple jamb and hang a door. 
Sat Jan 15, 9am-3pm
Tuition: $45
Instructed by Ken Walker

Door to Door: A Feature in The Oregonian

With our Once-In-A-Lifetime Fundraising event approaching fast, we are so pleased to have been featured in The Oregonian’s Home and Garden section. Bridget A. Otto talks about the LeRoy Setziol Door that started it all, the vision of this one of a kind event and the power of art to create sustainable communities. 

Read the full article: click here!

ReBuilding Center Strives for a Waste Free Event

Open The DOOR to Sustainability strives to be a 100% waste free. 

A waste free event is a natural step for The ReBuilding Center, whose operations divert an average of 6.5 million pounds of construction waste from landfills each year. 

But what does a waste free event look like? 

Our goal is to produce zero garbage and as little recycling waste as possible. We are doing so by: 

- Using reusable dishware for food and beverages
- Composting Food Scraps
- Providing cloth napkins
- Catering the event with companies who are dedicated to sustainable practices
- Recycling all paper products, including signage and auction catalogs, after the event

In addition to our commitment to make this event waste-free, we are demonstrating sustainable practices by offering food and beverages that are produced locally and in many cases organically. We are encouraging people to carpool and to use any form of alternative transportation such as public transit, biking or walking. Each person using this method will be entered into a drawing for a special prize. The Bison Building, located at 410 NE 10th Ave, has easy access to public transit and is just 10 blocks from the East Bank Esplanade pedestrian and bike path. 

Open The DOOR To Sustainability is not merely a fundraiser for The ReBuilding Center, it is also a showcase of the many ways Portland businesses are working together to make our community a healthier, more sustainable place.  We hope to set a precedent for future events by demonstrating that a waste-free celebration is not only possible, but beautiful. This challenge offers a truly amazing opportunity to come together as a community to find new ways to bring sustainable practices to the forefront. 

Art Made Fram Salvage Door to be Auction at June Event

In honor of LeRoy Setziol's impact on NW Art and in celebration of the hand-carved Setziol door that came to The ReBuilding Center after nearly ending up in the landfill, local artists have created works of art from salvaged doors to be auctioned at our June event. 

The LeRoy Setziol door, unlike his works in galleries across the Northwest, arrived at The ReBuilding Center strapped to a flat-bed truck. It is a story of trash and treasure, of a beautiful and valuable piece of art that nearly ended up in the landfill. Soon to be showcased by The ReBuilding Center, the door’s unique carving, geometric pattern and gentle craftsmanship are its signature. The intricate patterns of ridges divided by flowing lines and organic shapes are smoothed not by sanding, but by deliberate carving and oiling by hand.

Join The ReBuilding Center of Our United Villages on the evening of Saturday, June 19th, 2010 at Open the DOOR to Sustainability, showcasing the Setziol door and celebrating sustainability. The night will include live and silent auctions, featuring a series of used doors reclaimed from the waste stream and turned into inspiring art by Pacific Northwest artists. Each door will have a unique story of its history and transformation. There will be environmentally sustainable contemporary furnishings designed and handcrafted from reclaimed materials from The ReBuilding Center; and other products and packages from local companies using sustainable methods and approaches in their work. 

We hope to see you there! http://openthedoortosustainability.com/

Help Support The ReBuilding Center and Sustainability

Open the DOOR to Sustainability is a unique art show and fundraising event to benefit The ReBuilding Center and Sustainability. Inspired by the work of renowned NW artist LeRoy Setziol, artists from the local region are creating works of art from reclaimed doors. These doors, along with many other exciting things, will be auctioned at the event. Learn more by visiting the website: www.openthedoortosustainability.com

Open the DOOR to Sustainability will be an event of recognition, networking and continued joint efforts to bring sustainable living to the forefront of mainstream society. The event will feature a very special door carved by premiere Northwest artist, LeRoy Setziol, on display for the first time. On auction are 100 works of original art created by local artists, made from salvaged doors – an homage to LeRoy, the “father of woodworking.” In addition to a live and silent auction, guests will enjoy local, organic food; locally produced beers, wines and liquor; the musical sylings of saxophonist Patrick Lamb; and many raffle prizes to go around. We hope you’ll join us. Learn more about the inspiration behind this event:
Learn about the Inspiration behind this event.

WHEN
Saturday June 19, 2010 from 6-10pm

WHERE
The Bison Building, 419 NE Tenth Ave Portland, OR 97232

WHAT
In addition to live music, the event will be graciously catered by Chef Abby Fammartino of Abby’s Table. Chef Abby is dedicated to delicious food that is good to eat and good for you. Her talent in the kitchen has earned her a following of clients in Philadelphia, Seattle, and now, Portland, Oregon, where she has created “Abby’s Table,” a commercial kitchen in which she hosts weekly dinners and creates her superb line of handmade, fresh sauces. http://www.abbys-table.com/

Comments or Questions? Email us: openthedoor@ourunitedvillages.org

Summer 2010 Workshop Schedule

Our Classes and Workshops for 2010 are now open and available. The workshops take place in the ReFind Furniture woodshop located adjacent to The ReBuilding Center warehouse on 3625 N Mississippi Ave. Here, students have access to a variety of woodworking tools and learn valuable tool and construction skills they can apply to projects at home. Most importantly, students learn how to see new reuse possibilities in old building materials and are empowered to realize their ideas in new creative forms. Workshops are open to adults 18 and older unless otherwise noted.

The lineup this season includes: 

Introduction to Carpentry for Women
Papermaking Using Recycled Materials – Children Welcome
Intro to Carpentry for Women II
Found Object Printmaking
Introductory Woodworking
Window Repair Workshop

Click here to see full class descriptions and find out how you can register today.

Save the Date: Open the DOOR to Sustainability: Featuring LeRoy Setziol Door

On June 19, 2010 we’d like to invite everyone out to “Open the DOOR to Sustainability.” A unique art show and fundraising event to benefit The ReBuilding Center. The event will feature a one of a kind piece by legendary NW artist LeRoy Setziol. In honor of this piece, local artists will be turning ReBuilding Center doors into works of art that will be auctioned at the event.  The photo above shows artist Tim Combs choosing his door among the hundreds available in our warehouse. We look forward to seeing what it becomes!

Event Details: 
Saturday June 19, 2010 from 6-10pm – SAVE THE DATE AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

The Bison Building, 419 NE Tenth Ave Portland, OR 97232 – MAP IT

On display will be a very special door crafted by the “father of woodcarving” LeRoy Setziol
We’ll also have about 100 one of a kind DOORS on display – repurposed by local artists
Local, organic, creative food to munch on by Abby’s Table
Live Music
Raffles, ReFind Furniture, Silent Auction, other random entertainment
We hope to see you there!

Comments or Questions? Email us: openthedoor@ourunitedvillages.org

Visit the event website for more pictures and news: www.openthedoortosustainability.com

Upcoming Class: Jewelry Making With Reclaimed Materials

Learn how to turn your found objects into new and inspiring jewelry. This three day workshop is an introduction to jewelry making using fundamental techniques to creatively integrate reclaimed materials into your jewelry designs. Students will practice sawing, drilling, filing, wire wrapping, and more.

Mon April 19, 6pm-8pm, Sat April 24, and Sun April 25, 11am - 5pm
Tuition: $90
Instructed by Cristina Aucone

KATU Covers Marysville Salvage Project

KATU news visited the Marysville School deconstruction project on Tuesday. Check out their coverage of the project, including some great footage of our Deconstructionists at work denailing lumber, the gymnasium filled with doors, tubs and toilets, and an old door that was found between the walls of two classrooms. Executive Director, Shane Endicott, talks about the project and the process.

Le Roy Setziol Door Finds its Unlikely Way to The ReBuilding Center

The Le Roy Setziol Door, unlike his other works in galleries across the Northwest, arrived at The ReBuilding Center strapped to a flat-bed truck. It is a story of trash and treasure, of a beautiful and valuable piece of art that nearly ended up in the landfill. Soon to be showcased by The ReBuilding Center, the Setziol Door’s unique carving, geometric pattern and gentle craftsmanship are its signature. The intricate patterns of ridges divided by flowing lines and organic shapes are smoothed not by sanding, but by deliberate carving and oiling by hand.

On Saturday June 19, 2010, the Setziol Door will be showcased at Open the DOOR to Sustainability, hosted by The ReBuilding Center of Our United Villages. A series of artist doors will be auctioned, created by Pacific Northwest artists from doors reclaimed from local Portland homes. ReFind Furniture’s environmentally sustainable contemporary furnishings, designed and handcrafted from repurposed materials, will also be exhibited and sold.

This uniquely carved door was donated to The ReBuilding Center in the fall of 2004. It was retrieved by The ReBuilding Center’s free pick-up service during one of their daily loops around the Portland region. The beautiful door was admired and appreciated, but little did the drivers know at the time that they were beholding the work of artist Le Roy Setziol. The center’s Salvage Specialists set the door aside for a time, intending to consider how best to find it a new home. One day, someone recognized Setziol’s signature artistry. The work was confirmed by his daughter Monica Setziol Phillips and thought to be one of his early works.

Though extraordinary in circumstance, the story of the Setziol Door is just one example of the treasures The ReBuilding Center saves every day. Like artifacts in a museum, there is a story in every reclaimed object. Every person has the opportunity to continue the legacy of our community’s artifacts — just as The ReBuilding Center continues the story of the Setziol Door. The consumer acts as curator of our everyday museum, as reclaimed materials are not only kept out of landfills, but carry memories and help to more thoughtfully tell the story of our community. It’s about seeing the value of everyday objects, taking what many see as waste and a liability – and turning it into an asset.

Le Roy Setziol, known as “the father of woodcarving,” is considered the “most accomplished and respected wood sculptor in the Northwest. After serving as a chaplain in the US Army during WWII, he settled with his family in Portland, Oregon. A self pronounced, “sculptor who happens to work with wood,” Setziol’s unique style of geometric patterns is well recognized. Through fifty years of sculpting, he produced over a thousand works and created commissions all over Oregon, including Salishan Lodge, St. James Evangelical Church in Portland, Lake Oswego City Hall, and Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. He lived and worked on 22 acres on the Oregon Coastal Range until his death in 2005.

The ReBuilding Center, a project of Our United Villages, is a vibrant resource working to strengthen the environmental, economic, and social fabric of local communities. Founded by volunteers in 1998, The ReBuilding Center carries the region’s largest volume of used building and remodeling materials. It provides resources that make home repairs affordable to everyone, with the goal of promoting sustainable practices. The ReBuilding Center’s inventory includes used lumber, doors, windows, flooring, cabinets, sinks, tubs and more. One hundred percent of the The ReBuilding Center’s materials are donated. In addition to the reuse warehouse, The ReBuilding Center includes DeConstruction Services, a sustainable alternative to conventional demolition, and ReFind Furniture, which offers a diverse line of sustainable furniture and home accessories handcrafted from salvaged materials. The ReBuilding Center also offers a free pick-up service, numerous volunteer opportunities, donations of used building materials for community projects, and an education program featuring workshops and classes on how to creatively use reclaimed building materials.

Comments or Questions? Email us.

*Photo courtesy of the Attic Gallery

DeCon Salvages Historic Materials at Marysville School

After a fire destroyed much of the Marysville School in November 2009, district officials are still unsure about the future of the building. Whether or not the district decides to rebuild the old school or construct a new one, they are certain about wanting to incorporate important architectural pieces from the existing structure. The Marysville School district called upon DeConstruction Services to complete the careful disassembly of salvageable materials.  The materials, which include doors, trim, windows and lumber, are being held in the old gymnasium until officials decide the fate of the new school structure. 

For more information about this exciting project, and to see additional photographs, read the article in The Oregonian.

Photo courtesy of Faith Cathcart | The Oregonian

Summer Classes and Workshops Announced

Our reuse workshops inspire students to transform discarded building materials into new furniture, household objects, art and sculpture. The workshops take place within the ReFind Furniture woodshop, located adjacent to The ReBuilding Center warehouse, at 3625 N Mississippi Ave. Here, students have access to a variety of woodworking tools and learn valuable tool and construction skills they can apply to projects at home. Most importantly, students learn how to see old building materials for new reuse possibilities and are empowered to realize their ideas in new creative forms. Click here to learn more.

Creative Shelving and Storage
Learn to design and build a box, shelving system, or storage unit from reclaimed material that is both artistic and utilitarian. This three day workshop will incorporate the use of hand and power tools and introduce practical construction techniques.
Wed June 3 6-8pm, Sat June 6 & Sun June 7, 10am-5pm
Tuition: $100
Instructed by Dan Anderson

Window Repair Workshop
Repair and renew classic wood sash windows to make them fully operable and more energy efficient. Learn how to rebuild broken frames, replace broken glass, free stuck windows, prep for painting and more.
Sat June 27, 1-4pm
Tuition: $25
Instructed by John Jones

How to Hang a Door Demonstration
Demonstration on how to select a door from The ReBuilding Center warehouse, resize it and hang it. Will also cover replacing basic door hardware.
Sun June 28, 10am-12pm
Sliding Scale $5-15 suggested donation
Instructed by Jonah Ferber
Please RSVP by email.

Fence Building Demonstration
Build your fence out of recycled wood. Come learn how to set fence posts sturdy and straight and explore creative ways fill in the rest.
Sun June 28, 2-4pm
Sliding Scale $5-15 suggested donation
Instructed by Jonah Ferber
Please RSVP by email.

Tile-It Workshop
Learn to install recycled ceramic floor tiles in this two part workshop - a sustainable option for kitchens, bathrooms, and more. In this hands-on course you will gain measuring, cutting, layout, mortar/grout mixing, and installation skills.
Session 1: Tues June 30 6-9pm and Thurs July 2 6-7:30pm
Session 2: Tues August 18 6-9pm and Thurs August 20 6-7:30pm
Tuition: $40
Instructed by Holly Huntley

Introduction to Carpentry for Women
This hands-on carpentry workshop covers power tools, safety, construction lingo and basic principles of carpentry. Students will build their own tool box from recycled materials to take home!
Session 1: Sat July 18, 10-4pm Instructed by Holly Shelby
Session 1 FULL- email us to be placed on waiting list
Session 2: Fri August 7, 10am-4pm Instructed by Katie Hughes
Session 3: Sat August 8, 10-4pm Instructed by Holly Shelby
Tuition $50

Introduction to Carpentry for All
Same workshop as above, open to everyone.
Sat August 29, 10am-4pm
Tuition: $50
Instructed by Holly Shelby

Carpentry for Women- Level 2
This one day workshop builds and develops tool skills learned in The Introduction to Carpentry for Women class. The tablesaw, drill press and sawzall will be introduced as well as advanced techniques on the circular saw. Prerequisite: Introduction to Carpentry for Women workshop or equivalent experience
Session 1: Sun July 19 9:30am-2:30pm
Session 2: Sun August 30 9:30am-2:30pm
Tuition: $45
Instructed by Katie Hughes
 

A Table From Scrap
Build a small table, desk or bench with pallet wood and other recycled materials. In this three day workshop, students will learn basic tool and construction techniques, practice creative resourcefulness and will leave class with their own one of a kind piece of furniture.
Wed July 29 6-8pm, Sat August 1 & Sun August 2 10am-4pm
Tuition: $85
Instructed by Dan Anderson
 

Youth Workshops Showcase Creative Talents

ReFind Furniture recently hosted a series of four youth-specific workshops: Cabinet of Curiosities, Found Object Sculpture, Coat Racks and Clocks and Wooden Toys.  In the classes, youth learned how to work safely with tools and how to think creatively about the use of salvaged materials.  Below are a few photos of the “Found Object Sculptures.”

To see photos from this fun event, click here. To learn more about classes and workshops at The ReBuilding Center, click here.

ReFind Furniture ReUse Exhibition

On June 11th, 2009 The ReBuilding Center hosted the ReUse Exhibition, a creative reuse showcase, in celebration of its 11th birthday.

The ReUse Exhibition was an opportunity for community members to showcase their reuse projects inside the ReFind Furniture showroom. The projects represented wonderful diversity, ranging from coat racks and mirrors to tables, chess sets, and chairs. They all shared in common a commitment to creativity and materials reuse by using 99% salvaged materials and low-voc finishes.

"Buttermilk Reflections" by Sharilyn Service.

We would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to all of the folks who shared their reuse projects at the event. We would also like to send a very, very big thank you to all of the wonderful portland restaurants that donated food. We dined like Kings and Queens. Thank you : Bakery Bar, Porque No?, Laughing Planet, Fire on the Mountain, Pizza A Go Go, Grand Central Bakery, and Cupcake Jones!

Click here to see photos from this event.

Women in Trades Fair

On Saturday May 16th individuals from ReFind Furniture and DeConstruction services will be participating in the Women in Trades Career Fair. This great event offers an opportunity to learn about careers in construction-related trades and to participate in hands-on activities. Attendance is free and no advanced registration is required.  Read more about this event below or visit http://www.tradeswomen.net/. See you there!

WHAT:
17th Annual Women in Trades Career Fair

Come discover high-paying careers in the construction-related trades during the 17TH Annual Women in Trades Career Fair. Participate in hands-on activities such as operating heavy equipment, framing a house, climbing utility poles, wiring light switches, soldering copper pipes, welding, exploring solar power, learning about eco-roofs and many other trades related learning activities. Everyone is invited. Attendance is Free. No advance registration is required. 

Meet successful tradeswomen role models, including electricians, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, line workers, plumbers, and more. Learn about apprenticeship programs and community college programs training opportunities. 

Valerie Garrett from the Green Building Hotline will be giving two presentations on Saturday, May 16th: Green Building 101 at 10:00 am and Green Home Remodeling at 1:00 pm. 

City of Portland will have a master recycler at their exhibit booth all day Saturday offering information on recycling, composting, green building, etc. 

Attend a variety of free workshops, including five workshops focused on the green future of the trades:

1. Explore Wind Power with Local 48
2. Discover Solar Energy with NECA/IBEW
3. Tour an Eco-House with Home Depot
4. Find out about Electrogenerbike with Bonneville Power Administration
5. Learn about Eco Roofs with Greater Portland Roofers and Waterproofers 

Fair organizers have also made changes to the way the fair is run that are eco-friendly, such as eliminating hundreds of plastic water bottles and purchasing re-usable aluminum containers for water and coffee and reducing the amount of paper used to produce the event.

WHEN: 
9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2009

WHERE: 
NECA/IBEW Electrical Training Center
16021 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR

Free Admission
Free parking
Free childcare
Free eco-shuttle provided from Gateway Transit Center.

ReFind Furniture Wins Best Award

ReFind Furniture is honored to be the recipient of the City of Portland’s BEST Award for Sustainable Products or Services. The BEST Awards seek to acknowledge the efforts of local businesses in the areas of economic growth and environmental benefit. According to their website, “The mission of the BEST Awards is to inspire the business community by showcasing innovation and commitment to sustainability.” To read more about the BEST Awards and our participation, please click here.

ReFind Furniture designs and handcrafts environmentally sustainable, natural, contemporary furnishings for residential and commercial spaces. A primary goal of ReFind is to preserve the environment and benefit communities. In this regard, all ReFind materials are sourced locally, most of it coming from homes and other buildings that have been manually deconstructed by our DeConstruction Services department. This historic old-growth lumber finds new life in a distinctive line of furniture and custom designs.

In 2008, ReFind products created from salvaged material preserved the equivalent of more than 60 old-growth Douglas fir trees and avoided the production of 415 pounds of green house that would have been generated to harvest and mill new lumber — the equivalent of removing 2.5 cars from the road.

Most importantly, ReFind Furniture seeks to inspire the creative reuse of salvaged materials. ReFind also hosts classes and workshops that range from practical knowledge and skill-building to artistic expression. To learn more about classes visit the Education page of our website.

There are lots of ways to get involved with the creative reuse of salvaged materials. You can participate in the ReUse Ideas Project year-round by submitting a photo of your creative reuse project to receive a 10% discount at the warehouse. Or, you can participate in the upcoming ReFind Furniture ReUse Exhibition by showcasing your project during our 11th birthday celebration on June 11. Click here for more info.

Questions about ReFind Furniture or custom work? Visit our website, email us or call 503-445-1756.

Alternative Spring Break

Remember Spring Break? Traditionally known as a time for: 1) lazy days, 2) preparation for a new season, 3) friends, 4) family, 5) California/Florida beaches, 6) all around lounge time.

Well…There is now an alternative! The Rebuilding Center hosted three different alternative break groups during the month of April. The University of Illinois, Idaho State and The University of Montana all generously sent us wonderful groups of volunteers. They lent helping hands to the gradual reorganization of The ReBuilding Center’s lumber yard. They helped build racks, organize tile and supported many other on going projects.

We are so grateful for their selfless act to spend their breaks working (and learning) with us. Thank you so much for your time and efforts. Your work has truly made a difference.

The ReBuilding Center Tweets!

For quite some time now people have been asking if we can post inventory updates more regularly on our website. Due to the volume of materials we move daily (about 8 tons!) and the frequency of changing inventory (every 15 minutes!) we have been unable to make it a reality. Until now—thanks to a site called Twitter.

Twitter is the latest buzz in social media technologies. Twitter is a social network similar to myspace, facebook and many blogging platforms (such as blogger) that allows individuals to post quick updates (called “tweets”) for friends and followers to read.

We are experimenting with Twitter as a means to let you know what’s going on in the warehouse. We will post a sampling of new inventory as it comes through the doors as well as reduced prices on materials. As of now, these “tweets” will not include photographs, but you can always get your graphic fill from “Today’s Finds”—our twice monthly newsletter.

To receive The ReBuilding Center’s “tweets” you will first have to join the Twitter community by visiting their website and creating an account. After that you can search for “The ReBuilding Center” with Twitter’s “Find People” tool. Then, all you have to do is click “Follow” to receive a happy stream of updates fresh from the warehouse.

We appreciate your feedback on how best we can utilize this new tool and thank you for your patience as we try the course. Questions? Email or call us at 503-542-5051!

Senator Merkeley Visits Deconstruction Site

March ushered in the partnership of Specialized Housing and DeConstruction Services.

About Specialized Housing Incorporated

Like Our United Villages, Specialized Housing Incorporated (SHI) is a 501(C)3 non-profit corporation. SHI was formed in 1981 in collaboration with United Cerebral Palsy, The Epilepsy Association of Oregon and The Association for Retarded Citizens for the specific purpose of improving housing options for people with disabilities. SHI has developed over 100 projects throughout Oregon and has 28 years of experience in housing design, property management, new construction and substantial rehabilitation. Like The ReBuilding Center, Specialized Housing, Inc. has received many awards for outstanding service to the community. 

The Project

SHI hired DeConstruction Services to dismantle five houses totaling 5,500 square feet—all of which the deconstruction crews have accomplished in record time. The freshly deconstructed site will be the future home for Eastgate Station, which will be high density housing with 61 units for special needs individuals and families. Eastgate Station will serve low and very low income individuals and families, people with disabilities, and hard to serve homeless families with disabilities. Services for homeless residents will be coordinated by Multnomah County and will be provided by Impact Northwest under Multnomah County’s Bridges to Housing (B2H) Initiative and 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness.

 Senator Merkeley with DeConstruction Crew & Shane Endicott on SHI Site

Support for "Green Jobs"

The DeConstruction Services and Specialized Housing, Inc. project created the perfect storm to model the highest potential meaning of “Green Jobs.” Job creation, material reuse, community development, and partnering organizations presented a great reason to contact Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley. The SHI project also happens to be in Senator Merkley’s own neighborhood. While making time in his very busy schedule on Friday, Senator Merkley learned on site how DeConstruction Services and The ReBuilding Center are viable, working examples of Green Jobs. The brief visit included a tour of the remaining house, and a short press interview. The Senator and his aids were very pleased to learn first hand the opportunities reuse develops in the community. The Senator’s closing remarks expressed his excitement about the possibilities this project represented, as well as his support of these kinds of jobs.

 Senator Merkeley and Shane Endicott

 Senator Merkeley with Executive Director of SHI

Deconstruction of the SHI site saved: 

• 27,500 cubic feet of reusable materials out of the landfill
• 6,600 gallons of clean water, or daily water intake of 13,200 people
• 91 mature trees left in the forest, or 28 acres of newly planted pine
• 1,815 square feet of affordable housing from the reused building materials
• 2,495 additional hours of work at a living wage, supporting our local economy
• 7.9 cars removed from the road in the reduction in greenhouse gases

Inspiration through Volunteers

A new and exciting batch of magnets have come into the warehouse…made by volunteers! They were craftily created by the students of Douglas High School’s PACE class. The students and their teacher came and scavenged for good magnet making materials. They took them back to the classroom and eureka! Magnets galore! The proceeds fund an education scholarship that helps those with limited resources attend ReBuilding Center classes and workshops.

Thank you so much Douglas High School for your innovative volunteering and beautiful magnet artwork. We are so grateful for your contribution!

In other volunteer news, Portland Youth Builders contributed this beautiful and inspirational addition to our warehouse:

“Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.”

Thank you PYB! You are truly an embodiment of this message.