Philadelphia Community Corps

Action:

We provide entry level job training in the building deconstruction and material salvage industry for individuals facing barriers to employment. Trainees receive on-site experience and in-class lessons that prepare them for meaningful careers.

Through our projects we prepare buildings for renovation or removal while salvaging items for reuse or recycling. We also operate a Building Materials Reuse Center to provide access to affordable materials and save our architectural history!

Impact:

Trainees gain the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in the deconstruction, material salvage, and other building trade industries. Additionally, they receive OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certification and an introductory course based on curriculum from the Building Materials Reuse Association. Ultimately, we aim to connect trainees to employment opportunities.

We are able to divert materials from landfills to promote practical and creative reuse by utilizing deconstruction, which is an environmentally friendly alternative to demolition. The process also creates more jobs and less pollution because buildings are taken apart by hand.