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Help us stand out in the world of non-profits while enjoying a great marketing challenge. Start with our ideas, and take them to new heights. We are looking for someone to create a consistent look and design for our ReStore newspaper advertisements. These display ads should showcase a recognizable Habitat vision, while presenting a variety of rotating new information.
The ReStore is always seeking regular volunteers who want to become a dependable part of the crew. This can be only a few hours a week, but does require regular hours so that training is retained, and the workload can be shared evenly. Many positions are easy to do and are so important to the functioning of the store. Volunteer positions available include answering phones, maintaining the warehouse, assisting with donation pick-ups, and cashier in the store.
To learn more about volunteering at the ReStore, visit the ReStore's Website. |
| Coming Soon:
HFH's First LEED-Certified Home |
Green building and affordable housing have not often crossed paths, due at least in part to assumptions about prohibitive costs of materials and technology. However, the increasing popularity of sustainable building practices continues to bring down costs. This Spring Portland HFH will build Oregon's first LEED-certified Habitat home. The project developed out of the 2007 Natural Talent Design Competition for young emerging architects, which was organized by Cascadia Green Building Council. The winning design, by David Posada of GBD Architects and Scott Mooney of Thomas Hacker Architects, will become a 2200-square-foot duplex at 604 NE Webster. Walsh Construction, a longtime HFH sponsor, will oversee the construction.
 Empty lot at 604 NE Webster, future home site
In order to meet the strict LEED specifications, the home will be built by a Walsh crew, instead of our usual Habitat volunteers. As much as possible, however, building practices that could be replicated for future homes by volunteers, and that conform to Habitat guidelines for building homes that are simple, decent, and affordable, will be used. Portland HFH plans to incorporate more "green" features in all of our homes, and to move in the direction of achieving Energy Star ratings.
The Webster duplex will contain a 4-bedroom and a 2-bedroom unit. Sustainable energy and water efficiency technology, including a solar water heater, rainwater harvest system and compact flourescent lights, will help lower the utility bills for the new homeowners.
Zenebech Alemayoh, an Ethiopian immigrant and single mother, will live in the larger unit with her two children, Alemenash, 13, and Dawit, 6, and her elderly mother. Zenebach has spent the past 10 years folding and hanging uniforms for a uniform company, but despite her hard work has been unable to move her family out of their substandard apartment with its mold, roaches, and leaky roof.
Janette Clark, a full-time case manager for the Oregon Department of Human Services, will be living in the other unit. Janette, who suffers from severe vision limitations and diabetes, has been working toward homeownership for many years. Her current 8th floor apartment does not meet her special needs. She is looking forward to having a comfortable place to study as she plans to get her Bachelor's degree in Social Work one day.
Portland Habitat for Humanity is excited to be helping bridge the divide between social and environmental sustainability with its new home on NE Webster. It will hopefully become a prototype for Habitat. Our goal is to achieve a LEED Silver Rating. To accomplish this, we need the support of the green building industry. To find out how to contribute, please contact Shannon Tennant at Portland HFH.
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| Paragon Tile and Stone:
A Success Story with a Heart of Gold |
Paragon Tile and Stone is all about partnership. The company was created in 1999, when two brothers, Jim and Dave Cutz, brother-in-law Marc Dollahite, and Jim's friend, Paul Luttrell, decided to merge their individual business ventures. Since 2001, Paragon has also been a great partner to the ReStore, donating excess material from completed jobs on a regular basis. "Anytime we have anything available, Habitat is our first thought," declares Dave.
 Dave, Marc, Paul, and Jim
Paragon developed from a unique business plan that addressed the strengths and weaknesses each partner identified from his previous endeavor. Paul excelled at selling, Dave at finances, Marc at management, and Jim was a jack-of-all-trades. "It was a lot of work," remembers Dave. But their vision and new efficiencies paid off. Paragon has experienced rapid growth, going from 16 employees and $700,000 in sales the first year to 92 on staff and $9 million in 2007. Initially the company's focus was 98% residential. Today it is 70% commercial. Paragon's quality workmanship can be found throughout Bridgeport Village, in the South Waterfront, the Rose Garden, as well as in some of the best restaurants, businesses, and homes in the area. In addition to their generous on-going support for the ReStore, they also sponsor the Broadway Rose Theatre in Tigard.
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Book Review: Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things
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| Authors William McDonough (architect) and Michael Braungart (chemist) believe
that we can do better than "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." These visionaries believe
it's time to dump the "cradle to grave" manufacturing model that has been around
since the Industrial Revolution and which produces a lot of waste. Inspired by nature
as a model, they start with "waste equals food" as their first principle. Their goal is to
eliminate waste altogether. "Cradle to cradle" refers to an industrial model in which
materials are used and reused infinitely, without loss of quality or damage to the
environment or ourselves. They contend that conventional, expensive recycling and
emissions reduction are inadequate as longterm solutions. In this new Cradle to
Cradle world,
+products are made using environmentally safe and healthy materials
+products are designed for material/component reutilization
+renewable energy is used for production
+water is used efficiently
+social responsibility is a guiding strategy
 Drawing by Olivier Kugler
McDonough and Braungart are partners in an industrial design company, MBDC, that
develops innovative buildings, equipment and products. They call their new approach
eco-effectiveness. MBDC awards Silver, Gold, and Platinum Cradle-to-Cradle
Certification, as a way for companies to tangibly measure their achievements, and to
help customers find products that meet the highest standards of eco-quality.
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things was published in 2002 by North
Point Press. It's currently in its fifth printing. For more information, visit
MBDC's Website
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The Gordon House:
An Architectural Gem in Silverton by Frank Lloyd Wright |
| The Gordon House is the only home in Oregon designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It is one of more than 100 simple, affordable and beautiful houses that he designed and built throughout the United States, beginning in 1936. "Usonian" is a term that Wright coined to describe these small homes for the middle class (USONA) He believed that home ownership was an important way to achieve a harmonious, democratic society.
Wright designed the Gordon House in 1957 for farmers Evelyn and Conrad Gordon. It was built in 1964 on a 22-acre site along the Willamette River in Wilsonville. Construction was overseen by Burton Goodrich, a longtime apprentice of Wright's (FLW died in 1959). The three-bedroom home was built, at a cost of $56,000, of concrete blocks and wood (mostly cedar), and featured floor-to-ceiling French doors.
The son of the original owners sold the house and property in 2000 for $1.1 million, shortly after his parents' death. The new owners planned to tear down the historic home and build something new and bigger. However, in March 2001, just four days before the scheduled demolition, the house was saved by a national legal and publicity campaign led by the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. It was moved in three sections to its present location, 25 miles south in Silverton, next to the Oregon Garden.
From November 1 through April 30, 40-minute guided tours ($5) are available on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. by reservation only. The House can also be rented for special events. The reservation number is 503-874-6006. The House is located at 879 West Main Street in Silverton. For more information, visit the Gordon House Website |
| New ReStore in Lebanon |
Habitat for Humanity will be opening a new store in Lebanon soon. Keep an eye out for news and updates on our latest addition to the Habitat ReStores of Oregon!!
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| Natural Building Workshops Scheduled for February |
| Rocket Masonry Stove Workshop, taught by Ernie Wisner
February 15-17 at The Scout Pit, 5040 SE Milwaukie Ave., Portland. $295.
Transform an industrial basement into a cozy, warm, family-friendly place. Rocket Stoves are hand-built, super-efficient, and radiant heated, built with local and recycled materials. They produce heat for a fraction of the fuel used in conventional wood or gas heaters.
Three-Layer Earthen Floor Workshop, taught by Ernie Wisner.
February 22-24 at the Scout Pit (address above). $295.
Transform a concrete floor into a durable, natural surface. Earthen floors are kown for their beauty, smooth finish, and flexibility. A great skill-building opportunity for local builders, homeowners, and those seeking a more ecological lifestyle. Experience the cooperative earth-based work patterns that our ancestors used to alter their environment using the materials under their feet.
Sign up for both classes together and Save $100!
Kayak Building Workshop coming in March.
Workshops being offered by TrackersPDX. For more info, call them at 503-453-3038, or email at info@trackersNW.com, or visit their website: trackersPDX.
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Duane Flatmo Rene Hinds
Calling All Artists ! ! !
We are thinking of organizing an exhibit of Art made from Found Objects and Recycled Materials. We invite artists who would be interested in participating, as well as others who know such artists to Please Contact Us at robin@pdxrestore.org.
Leo Sewell
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Please Give Us Feedback!
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Please let us know what you think of the ReStore Newsletter. Are you finding useful information and/or resources? Do you have ideas for articles you would like us to do? Are there aspects of the newsletter that you think need improvement. Please help us make this newsletter better. Contact robin@pdxrestore.org with your thoughts. Thank you!
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RESTORE HOURS
Tuesday through Saturday
9am-5pm | |
February 2008
