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 more 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.

Our beautiful birthday cake-donated by Bakery Bar

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!

Check out the slide show below to see pictures from this event, or visit us on Flickr!

Food Sharing Workshop

On Saturday, May 9th, Community Outreach of Our United Villages hosted a free Food Sharing workshop. 50 people attended the workshop and spent the day engaged in their choice of one service or skill building project. As a group, everyone reconvened to share lunch and reflections. Each project group reported back on insights gained, skills learned, and their most inspiring moments from the day. Below is a video of the day compiled by a volunteer videographer, Doug Adler. For more information and resources that were handed out at the workshop visit www.ourunitedvillages.org/foodsharing.html

New Summer Class Schedule

Summer 2009

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.Visit www.rebuildingcenter.org/education 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
Register

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
Register

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
Register

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
Register

Introduction to Carpentry for All

Same workshop as above, open to everyone.

Sat August 29, 10am-4pm
Tuition: $50
Instructed by Holly Shelby
Register

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
Register

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
Register

Join us at the Women in Trades Career 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:

Explore Wind Power with Local 48
Discover Solar Energy with NECA/IBEW
Tour an Eco-House with Home Depot
Find out about Electrogenerbike with Bonneville Power Administration
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.

Cultural Sharing Conversation

On Thursday, April 9, 16 people gathered in the conference room of Our United Villages to share mementos, photos and stories of their way of life, family traditions and cultural background. Here are excerpts of their stories:

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 click here, or 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.

Upcoming: Community Outreach Food Sharing Workshop

Interested in gardening, cooking, gleaning, preserving or harvesting? Come learn new food sharing skills. Take a cooking class. Watch a canning demonstration. Volunteer at a garden or urban farm. Learn to identify urban edibles.

Meet at the Whole Foods Market Wellness Center (3535 NE 15th Avenue, 97212) at 9:00 am for a light breakfast and to pick your project. Lunch will also be provided. Childcare, transportation, and interpretation available upon request.

Please register by May 4th by calling 503.546.7499 or click here!

Alternative Spring Breaks at The ReBuilding Center

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!

US Senator Jeff Merkely visits DeConstruction Services

March ushered in the partnership of Specialized Housing and DeConstruction Services. Like Our United Villages, Specialized Housing Incorporated 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. 

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

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

What do you do to be a supportive neighbor?

These inspirational stories come from neighbors who have found enriching experiences in the act of reaching out. What do you do to be a supportive neighbor?

Carpooling & Sharing Your Abundance with Neighbors

"I live in the Woodstock Neighborhood and know many of my neighbors. If I am ever running to the grocery store, I invite my 75-year-old neighbor to go along. I have known her since I was 3 years old. My grandparents raised my mom, aunt, and uncle in the same intersection that we live in. Going to the store has become a fun social outing instead of a dull shopping errand. She enjoys getting a ride, getting out, and catching up. We share our abundance with our neighbors. Whenever we have too much of something, like fruit, bakery items, or home-grown veggies, we bring the extra to our immediate neighbors. I was making cookies for a gathering and realized I was out of oatmeal. I went running across the street to borrow a couple of cups from my neighbor. A car passed by and probably thought “look at that lady running with a measuring cup in her PJs,” but that is what I like about our relationship. We aren’t just neighbors, we are family!"

-Woodstock Neighbor

Learning Customs and Making Friends
"We tell our children that it is very important to have friends and be nice to others. Our neighbors can also be our friends. In our culture, there is a statement: it is needed to rely on your relatives first, then your neighbors secondly. Some of us are fortunate enough to live by our relatives, but we all have neighbors next door. I watch over my son and our neighbor’s son while they play outside. I encourage them to play ball together and to get to know each other’s customs. They have both learned about each other’s New Year’s traditions. I believe that it is a good value to have respect toward different cultures. I learned that my neighbor has the same expectations as mine towards our children’s education, behavior, and health. We are not so much different as we thought. "
- Portland Neighbor

If you would like to share your story about being a supportive neighbor, email us! Read more inspirational stories at our website!

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!

Magnets made by Douglas High School students.

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.

ReBuilding Center Workshop: Jewelry Making with Recycled Materials

In this three day workshop instructor Christina Aucone of Modica Design led students in an exploration of the fundamental techniques to creatively integrate recycled materials into jewelry design. They sawed, drilled, filled, wrapped wire and created some truly beautiful works of art from found materials. See before and after pictures below. Learn more about classes and workshops at The ReBuilding Center or register by clicking here.

Adira

Gloria

Lauren

Margit

Solla

McKenna

Susan

The Classroom

Working Together: Turning Ideas Into Action

On Saturday, February 7th 23 individuals from around the Portland area gathered at Euphoria Studios to turn ideas into action. In December and January Community Outreach hosted 5 Community Conversations called Working Together through Challenging Times. Out of all the ideas shared at these conversations, 6 themes emerged: Food Sharing, Celebrating Multicultural Community, Sharing Resources, Environmental Sustainability, Good News, and Neighborhood Activities.

Using an Idea Development Plan groups worked together on ideas based on their common interests. They created a blueprint for their project idea including a purpose, vision and first steps.

We share their project ideas as inspiring examples of people working together. If you are interested in any of the projects, please let Community Outreach know and we can connect you directly with the groups.

Food Sharing

Food sharing as a community interest is growing. 4 people focused on increasing access to local food for hungry residents and created a project called, “Neighborhood Food Outreach Model”. The purpose of their project is to create networks of self-sufficiency based around food on a neighborhood level. This could include cultural food nights, garden swapping, or community composting. Each neighborhood’s network would be distinct--based on the community--and may take on a specific location for gathering or be an informal resource. The group's first step is to evaluate personal and neighborhood resources for creating food networks. Eventually they would like to have a model that they could present to neighborhoods throughout the city. To get involved in this group, email info@ourunitedvillages.org.

Celebrating Multicultural Community

Storytelling was on this group's mind as they brainstormed ways to celebrate multicultural community. They desired to create a “tool-kit” to encourage personal and collective storytelling events in order to connect with neighbors and “encourage minority voices to be heard.” “Spicing the Stew: Encouraging Personal Storytelling to Connect Communities” will be a resource that neighborhood associations and organizations can use in their communities. The first step of this group is to begin researching similar projects and to compile additional resources from the community. To get involved with this group email info@ourunitedvillages.org

Neighborhood Activities

Shared activities can bring neighbors together and build community. This group began by creating a plan for hosting a neighborhood craft night where individuals could work on their own projects in a supportive environment. Additional community service projects could be taken on by the group such as “making Christmas stockings for homeless and low-income youth.” “Craft Night” would allow neighbors and friends to socialize while also accomplishing personal goals. The first step of this group is to identify interested friends and neighbors. To get involved with this group email info@ourunitedvillages.org

Sharing Resources

Have you ever had a bad day and needed someone to talk to? This group decided to create a network for emotional support that would link people having a good day with people having a bad day throughout the city. “Neighborability” would be a peer-to-peer support network that is non-judgmental and serves to connect people. Interested individuals could sign up in acknowledgment of their own life experiences to support community. This group hopes that this project will raise the visibility of everyone’s own resources to support each other. Their first step is to find an existing infrastructure to connect with. To get involved with this group email info@ourunitedvillages.org

Environmental Sustainability

“Sustainability, Economy and You” was the project envisioned by this group to bridge the information gap and engage a broader and more diverse audience in issues of sustainability. This group recognized that currently information about sustainability or the economy is not communicated in terms of personal relevance. They want to create an “official comprehensive community resource information sheet”. This would compile existing information in an easy to understand format. Their first step is to research existing resources and decide which ones to include in the information sheet. To get involved with this group email info@ourunitedvillages.org

To read more about these projects, download resource handouts on the various topics or get involved with one of the groups please visit our website.

ReUse Ideas #1

From the exotic plants of artist Hilary Pfeifer to the use of reclaimed windows and doors at the Sungarden Montessori school in Portland, creative reuse projects abound and are as varied as the materials they use. Here's a sampling of some creative reuse projects from community members.

Hilary Pfeifer's traveling exhibit "Natural Selection" offers an intriguing exploration of intimacy and relationships, while mimicking the ingenuity of nature in its reclamation of used materials. She created an installation of bonsai-like plants made mostly from reclaimed and scrap materials. The greenhouse in which they live was partially made from sliding glass doors donated by The ReBuilding Center.

Read more about this inspiring exhibition. (Photos courtesy of Hilary Pfeifer).

The Sungarden Montessori school has also demonstrated the spirit of reuse by enhancing their space with the addition of a few colorful doors and windows.

And finally, thank you to Suzi Cloutier for sharing this message with us:

"10 years ago, I rebuilt my 250 square foot cabin with less than $500 worth of materials from the ReBuilding Center. It was a Godsend to a broke gal trying to make life work in a tiny house in the trees (which I lovingly did for 6 years). I love it and its mission as much today as I did back then, and am collecting parts for my next building project which will be a FULLY recycled materials Cobb Home."

Way to go Suzi! Best of luck on your project.

The ReUse Ideas Project is supported by the visitors and friends of The ReBuilding Center who generously share their ideas and inspiration to promote the creative reuse of salvaged materials. Thank you! Click here to share your reuse genius.

deconstruction : n. 1. the selective disassembly of a building structure in reverse order of assembly, usually by hand to maximize the re-harvest of materials for reuse. 2. an essential component of sustainble, green building.

Since 1999, DeConstruction Services of The ReBuilding Center has helped hundreds of homeowners, contractors and others with remodeling and building removal projects of all scopes and sizes.

2008 was a productive year for DeConstruction Services. The phone rang off the hook, yielding 569 intakes. These eventually became 122 projects, supplying The ReBuilding Center with materials from:

• 26 whole houses and apartments
• 18 detached garages
• 16 partial structures
• 3 really BIG barns
• 29 kitchens
• 19 skims
• 8 bathrooms (plus 74 hotel baths to date)
• 6 chimneys

Just for fun DeConstruction Services also took apart:

• 1 tiny shed
• 1 funky foundation
• 1 huge bookshelf
• 1 personal rock climbing wall
• 1 beautiful Brazilian cherry floor
• 1 WWII PT Boat
• 2 basements

During 2008, DeConstruction Services also engaged in projects to help promote the use of deconstruction over traditional demolition. We:

• Hosted an intern to create a proposal to train professional Interior Designers in the use deconstruction methods.
• Worked with PSU students to create the DeConstruction Density Mapping Project to promote more deconstruction over demolition!
• Provided resources and advise for 8 organizations interested in deconstruction.

We are very pleased to see such positive support of DeConstruction Services and the process of deconstruction in general. We look forward to another fantastic year and want to extend our sincere gratitude to all those in the community who continue to support and promote our efforts. To learn more about DeConstruction Services, visit our website, www.rebuildingcenter.org/deconstruct

ReBuilding Center Classes Spring Schedule

Learn a new skill or hone some old ones! Join us in the ReFind Furniture workshop for the following classes this spring. Questions? You can email Emily Krafft, Education Assistant at education@rebuildingcenter.org or call 503-542-5061. And as always, check out the website for more information or to register.

Spring Schedule 2009

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!

Sunday, March 15, 10am-5pm
Tuition: $45
Instructed by Gillian Davis
Register Now

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.

Wedensday March 25, 6-8pm, Saturday March 28 and Sunday March 29, 10-4pm
Tuition: $85
Instructed by Dan Anderson
Register Now

Woodcut: The Hand Pulled Print
Create woodblock prints with recycled pine using both hand and power carving tools. Participants will learn how to print by hand and leave the class ready to continue printing in their own studio or kitchen!

Wedensday April 1st, 6-9pm and Saturday April 4th 10-3:30pm
Tuition: $70
$10 Materials fee paid to instructor on 1st day of class
Instructed by Ken Walker
Register Now


Adirondack Chair Workshop
Build an Adirondack Chair from recycled wood. In this three day workshop students will use the bandsaw, chopsaw and drills to craft their own classic Adirondack chair. Class time will focus on techniques and simple joinery, with extensive cutting and assembly time.
Pre-requisite: Have taken previous Rebuilding Center workshop or woodworking class elsewhere or instructor approval.

Thursday April 15, 6:30-8:30pm, Saturday April 18 and Sunday April 19, 10-5pm
Tuition: $115
Instructed by Randi Selleck
Register Now

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.

Tuesday May 5, 6-9pm and Tuesday May 7, 6-7:30pm
Tuition: $35
Instructed by Holly Huntley
Register Now

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.

Sunday May 17, 10am-12pm
Sliding Scale $5-15 suggested donation
Instructed by Jonah Ferber
Please RSVP by emailing education@rebuildingcenter.org

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.

Sunday May 17, 2-4pm
Tuition: $15
Instructed by Jonah Ferber
Register Now

Change is Good!

A recent new addition to the warehouse is bringing smiles to the faces of visitors and salvage specialists alike--but one face in particular is beaming with joy. Ella Rose is absolutely radiant behind our brand new cash registers! We are so very grateful and proud of this new addition to the OUV family and we invite you to come meet the new registers yourself! They're quite sophisticated and oh-so stylish.

Ella Rose helping a visitor behind our new cash register.

We want to extend our sincere gratitude to Jim Gerow and all the folks at Positive Technologies, Inc. who patiently guided us through the process and were an absolute joy to work with. Thank you!

The Gift of Volunteers!

Our United Villages has been very fortunate this month in receiving record numbers of volunteers! They come from many groups and some from across the state, but they all have one thing in common: being wonderful examples of energy, inspiration and generosity!

The volunteer program of Our United Villages is thriving thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who make this operation possible. We had a record high turn out to our bi-monthly after hours event this month. We had nearly thirty attendees and we needed every one! Thank you so much to these folks from the community who believe in our work. If you are interested in attending one of these events, you can sign up on the Hands-On Portland website by clicking here.

In addition, we would like to recognize the monumental presence of the Portland Youth Builders. Over 60 PYB students and staff joined The ReBuilding Center today for several hours to help with a wide variety of projects. They sorted tile, built racking for the lumber yard, organized the miscellaneous section and mounted pictures of ReUse genius for the Community Resource Area--among many other tasks of course. We are truly grateful for their energy, spirit and willingness to lend a hand! What a great group!

Portland Youth Builders at work.

Finally, we want to extend a huge thank you to the students of George Fox University from Newberg, Oregon. They generously chose to have an alternative winter break and spent it volunteering at The Rebuilding Center. The students worked tirelessly for four days organizing and salvaging materials in the warehouse. They left inspired to continue re-using and educating others in their own community about re-use.

George Fox University students in the offices of OUV.

Volunteering is a wonderful gift. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts. If you are interested in volunteering either as an individual or a group please contact the Volunteer Coordinator of Our United Villages at volunteer@ourunitedvillages.org or at 503.467.4985.

Videos About Our United Villages

For your viewing pleasure--a selection of videos featuring Our United Villages and its services.*










*Please note that these videos were created, edited and posted by individuals outside of this organization.

Share Your Story: Snow Angel

Community Outreach believes that neighborhoods that recognize the strengths, talents, and resources of each individual create a healthier, more vibrant community. We share inspirational stories and experiences of people working together to inspire others. If you have an inspirational story that you would like to submit, please email it to info@ourunitedvillages.org for consideration. Please enjoy the following story, submitted anonymously to Community Outreach of Our United Villages.

Snow Angel

We are from the Midwest, so when the snow came, it was no big thing to us. We still got out of the house everyday and though the roads were slippery, we had them mostly to ourselves. Our next door neighbors are elders and we hadn’t seen their car move in days. We checked in with them and it turned out that they were almost out of food. They drafted a detailed shopping list: “…the generic brand of breakfast cereal bars, 2% milk, the pepperoni pizza that comes in the yellow box.” They were grateful for the help, but more than that, we were excited for the opportunity to contribute. When we got back, we thought about ways that we could help some of our other elderly neighbors.

The woman kiddy-corner from us just wanted to know if she should bother getting her garbage out to the corner. Seeing as though the garbage vehicles weren’t out and about, we asked if there was anything else that she needed. “Why don’t you stop by later for tea.” Wanting companionship is the easiest need to fill. We swapped a few stories and devoured the delicious cornbread she had whipped up.

Back in the Midwest you can be fined for not removing the snow in a timely manner—so we were on it. We threw on our snowpants and gloves, and armed with leaf rake and dirt shovel we started clearing our neighbors’ walkways, steps, and driveways. As we were finishing the next door neighbor’s driveway, he opened the door wearing a cozy fleece robe, spicy hot chocolate in hand. Then we moved onto the neighbor who lives kiddy-corner. After laying salt on her very icy steps, she opened the door and said “I think I might have a shovel in the attic- wanna take a look?” When we were equipped with the proper tool, we were rearing to go. We asked if it would be alright to go down to Mary’s house, who lives about a block down. She responded “Please do…last I heard her furnace was out and she hasn’t answered the phone. Find out if the repair man has come.”

As we had started shoveling Mary’s walkway and steps, she peeked her towel-wrapped head out the door, saying “No…no…please don’t do that…what are you doing?” I let her know that it was just a neighborly thing to do and we would stop if she wanted us to, but were happy to help. “Well, I just…well you don’t have to do such a good job.” Mary has a rough exterior about her, like she has survived through harsher days. The furnace had been repaired and she had a space heater. We finished up at her house, and moved onto the next neighbor.

About two weeks later, when the snow had melted and the garbage was being picked up again, I opened the front door to bring the bins back up to the house, and who was standing there? Mary. “Well thank god you are home. This is the 4th time I have been over here and if you weren’t home this time, I would have just croaked! I wanted to give you this. If the names are wrong, don’t blame me, blame your neighbor…I didn’t even ask your names.” She started moving back to her daughter’s car, who apparently had driven her down to our house 4 times to try and give us a card. She said, “I want you to know that in the 53 years that I have lived here, no one has ever shoveled, racked, or swept my walk. I just couldn’t believe that. You have to come meet my daughter.” After we talked a while, and said goodbye, I went inside to read the card. The first thing I noticed was how beautiful her hand-writing was. “It is so reassuring to know that I have such kind and thoughtful neighbors. Thank you so much for checking on me and for shoveling my walk. It was such a nice surprise to see you two out there, working so hard for me. I wanted you to know how much that touched by heart. Mary”

It was such a lesson to me. I have the desire to help all the time. Sometimes I don’t know what to do. Sometimes I don’t know if the help will be welcomed. Mary’s letter reminded me how simple it is to reach out to those who are around us and the joy that comes in connecting to one another.