Meet Boston Building Resources and the Reuse Center, championing for low-to-moderate income homeowners and our planet

By Gina Gallagher | Citizens Contributor

From drafty windows to outdated kitchens to inefficient heating systems, homes require frequent repairs and upgrades to maintain their value. The cost of making those improvements can be difficult to manage for most homeowners.

For those living with low-to-moderate income, the financial challenge is even greater.

Unless of course, they have a Champion working in their corner like the Reuse Center at Boston Building Resources (BBR), a Boston-based nonprofit recently recognized as a 2023 Champion in Action for Supporting Environmental Sustainability. BBR is an innovative and environmentally focused organization that offers reusable and recycled products and provides education to empower homeowners and strengthen communities.

Bringing new life to homes, neighborhoods – and the planet

Boston Building Resources has a history of helping neighbors in the city make home improvements. The organization came to life during the energy crisis in the 1970s. Concerned residents banded together to create a co-op to provide building materials to help homeowners living in drafty and uninsulated homes.

That initial initiative would lay the foundation for an innovative solution to help home owners improve their homes affordably. 

In 1993, when a group of construction and architecture professionals in the co-op identified the large volume of discarded building materials, the Reuse Center was created. Today, the Reuse Center accepts donations of high-value and gently used building materials – from windows and doors to kitchen cabinets and major appliances. 

“We are proud that the Reuse Center at Boston Building Resources not only models environmental sustainability, but also helps our lower-income neighbors to keep their homes in good repair,” said Kord Jablonski, President and Executive Director, Boston Building Resources.

The workmanship of an environmentally responsible Champion

By extending the life of used building materials, the Reuse Center at BBR plays a pivotal role in helping foster economic equity and improve communities and housing in Boston. In addition to providing affordable reusable products, they also offer expert advice, technical assistance and hands-on workshops that foster home improvement skills.

The organization is making an impact on an even grander scale – the environment.

BBR supports the environment by preventing millions of dollars in good-quality, reusable materials from being discarded in landfills. What’s more, BBR walks the walk with environmental responsibility in their everyday business practices. Recently, the organization renovated their building to a zero-carbon standard, educating their clients on energy efficiency and partnering with organizations that promote energy renewal.

Going further for the environment with Champions in Action

With $35,000 in unrestricted funding from the Champions in Action program, BBR will purchase an electric vehicle to help pick up donated materials and reduce carbon emissions from transportation, the nation’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

“[With the Champions in Action funding], we can replace our diesel van with an electric vehicle and can pick up donations of reusable building materials without generating any carbon emissions,” said Jablonski. “We can recharge using solar power generated on our own rooftop, and, because EVs cost less to maintain, we also expect to save on vehicle operating costs.”

Made ready to Champion for a more sustainable world

Champions in Action, which celebrated its 20^th anniversary in 2022, has awarded more than $10 million in unrestricted funds to more than 360 Champions. Through partnerships with key media outlets, it provides tailored local promotion, volunteer support and publicity to help nonprofit organizations reach the next level.