The Annapolis Design District (ADD) has two Non-Profit Members who offer complementary services and resources to the design/build industry and residents in our local community. The main similarity between the two organizations is that they reclaim and repurpose used items – the most significant being reusable building materials for our industry – that they then sell at low cost. Both organizations share the vision of eliminating construction industry waste; have a warehouse filled with an eclectic inventory of donated items open seven (7) days a week; provide job training; and will pick up donations and building materials throughout the metro DC region. Please take a pause, read the summary below, and keep these organizations in mind as you embark on renovation projects.
With the mission to Retrain, Reclaim and Renew, Second Chance has an expansive warehouse located on Ridgely Street across from the Ravens’ Stadium in Baltimore. The organization’s focus is to retrain individuals with barriers to employment; reclaim building materials and architectural salvage; and renew reusable items to help eliminate waste in the environment. Their store is full of ready-to-repurpose materials including home furnishings, lighting, wood floors, doors, and fixtures. Many of their items have historic significance – period hardware, corbels, stained glass – even the iconic floorboards from University of Maryland’s Cole Field House. If you are looking to deconstruct your house or remodel your kitchen or bath, think about donating to Second Chance for use in their training program. Note that all donations are tax deductible. Proceeds support their job training programs for those facing educational, criminal justice, and other employment barriers – giving them a much deserved second chance.
Community Forklift also focuses on reclaiming and reusing home improvement supplies and building materials and workforce development. Their warehouse and main operation center is located close to DC in Hyattsville. Community Forklift’s mission is to “lift up communities” by making repairs affordable, reducing waste, and creating green jobs. The nonprofit partners with workforce development programs to hire people with barriers to employment, including those returning from the justice system. In addition to offering building materials and antiques to the public at low cost, the Forklift provides free repair supplies and home essentials to local nonprofits and neighbors in need (they are particularly grateful for appliance donations, as they serve many disabled seniors and veterans living without working fridges, washing machines, or air conditioning). They also offer free workshops and community events, including a summer concert series.
You’ve heard the idiom, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Do yourself a favor and visit either organization’s warehouse to discover a buffet of reclaimed items turned into treasures – a delicious feast for the design/build industry or person embarking on a home improvement or renovation project.
For additional information, please visit www.secondchanceinc.org and https://communityforklift.org.
