WHO WE ARE
The ReBuilding Center is the heart of low-cost, community-based reuse and repair in Portland, making home repair and creative reuse affordable, sustainable, and accessible for all! Since 1997, we have kept more than 60 million pounds of useful, unique building materials out of the landfill, taught thousands in our community to do basic, safe home repairs, and served as a tremendous resource for a thriving community of artists, makers, and DIYers who find creative and inspiring uses for our reclaimed materials every day.
MISSION & VALUES
he ReBuilding Center is a community-powered reuse hub that circulates materials, builds skills, and advances climate solutions.
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We take responsibility for the life cycle of materials, our resources, and our impact. We prioritize reuse as a climate solution, making decisions with long-term environmental and community benefit in mind. with physical and mental health, a living wage, and balance between work and home.
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We reduce barriers to materials, knowledge, and opportunity. We create a welcoming environment where people feel respected and able to participate fully.
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We do this work for our community. By keeping materials in use, we support people in building, repairing, and creating while strengthening resilience and connection.
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We make the most of what we have. We solve problems creatively, adapt to challenges, and pursue new approaches that move our mission forward.
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We take ownership of our decisions, actions, and results. We follow through on commitments, make clear decisions, and hold ourselves and each other to a high standard.
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We build and maintain systems that support consistency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. We prioritize clarity, continuous improvement, and disciplined execution.
Our Store
Our 30,000 sq. foot store is a treasure trove of Portland architectural history salvaged from deconstructed and renovated old homes, as well as new materials from our partners in construction and development. It’s a tremendous resource for reuse of sustainable, affordable materials, and with the high cost of building materials our services are needed now more than ever. Learn more about what we sell, or about making a material donation.
Our Classes
Through our repair skills classes, we teach our community how to perform safe, affordable, sustainable home repairs and improvements, and how to maintain their homes. For many homeowners, their house is their most significant asset, but they might not know how to preserve and maintain that asset as a means to build generational wealth. We offer classes to teach people how to keep their homes safe, sustainable, functional, and in good repair. Through this work, we build comfort and confidence in repair, saving our community money, building economic resilience, keeping stuff out of landfills, and empowering people to stay in their own homes.
Impact
Since 1997, the ReBuilding Center has advanced community-based climate action, built a circular economy in our region, and emerged as a sought-after model for sustainable reuse:
Diverted 35,000+ tons of reusable building materials, keeping resources in circulation and reducing the impacts of disposal and new production;
Served 1M+ community members with affordable materials, expanding access to repair, reuse, and home improvement;
Delivered 1,000+ hands-on classes to 11,500+ students, building practical skills and confidence through equitable and inclusive learning.
Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1997, the ReBuilding Center’s tax identification number is 93-1241474. Make a donation to support our work here.