donate materials...

Can we donate our surplus building supplies?

We are frequently approached by homeowners, contractors, and local business representatives who would like to donate gently used, scratch & dent, or surplus building supplies. While we are able to use some of what we are offered almost immediately, as a general rule, we simply do not have anywhere to store large amounts of building supplies as we wait to match those specific items to some future project.

Besides having little extra storage space, we seldom accept used building materials because they typically require some degree of cleaning or refurbishing before they can be reused, and they are often more time consuming to install than new materials. Even though most of our labor is provided by volunteers, we find that we are able to help more people, for less money, and with fewer call-backs, when we use new materials.

What materials are we able to accept?

During our annual Rebuilding Day event, we need building materials, hand tools, and construction supplies of all types. The problem once again, is where to store everything. So, if you have roofing material, lumber, kitchen appliances, brooms, shovels, or other relatively bulky items, which you are able to store for us until about the last week of April, we can probably find a place to use it. Smaller items that do not require a large amount of storage space can be accepted year-round.

Examples of material that we are normally able to put into use quickly are:

• Window mounted air-conditioners
• Portable dehumidifiers
• Child safety cabinet latches
• Work gloves
• Paint brushes, drops cloths, rollers & roller covers
• Lever handle locksets
• Hand-held tub or shower spray faucets
• Battery operated smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide alarms
• Compact fluorescent light bulbs
• Flashlights
• Battery operated AM/FM radios
• Batteries for smoke alarms and flashlights

Where can we donate building materials that you are not able to use?

The Loading Dock is a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization, established in 1984, which specializes in the reuse of building materials. Their mission is to "increase the supply and use of affordable building materials for housing and community improvement by redirecting landfill-bound, reusable materials into productive use." Please let them know that we sent you their way.

The Loading Dock, Inc.
2 North Kresson Street
Baltimore, MD 21224

410-558-3625

Second Chance - is a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works with architects, contractors, and builders to locate old buildings scheduled for demolition. Architectural elements, suitable for salvage, are removed and stored for reuse. They also offer job training, ranging from carpentry to craftsmanship, to low-income residents of Baltimore; teaching them how to deconstruct a building without damaging historic elements.

Second Chance, Inc.
1645 Warner Street
Baltimore, MD 21230

410-385-1101

Arundel Habitat for Humanity Renovation Station - staffed completely by volunteers, this facility accepts donations of appliances, architectural items, cabinets, doors, electrical parts & lighting, flooring materials, furniture, hardware, trim & framing lumber, sheetrock, plumbing materials, roofing supplies, tools, and windows. They resell these donated materials at substantially reduced costs with all proceeds going into Habitat's building program.

Renovation Station
8101 Ft. Smallwood Road
Pasadena MD 21122

410-437-7754

 

To inquire about specific building materials or supplies that you might be able to donate, please contact us.