Deconstruction Offers Opportunities

What is deconstruction? We used to call it demolition, tearing down an old building or part of an old building. Now we are more environmentally-friendly. On May 23, The ReUse People of America, Inc. (TRP) graduated the first group of 12 students who received certification of their completion of the “Introduction to Deconstruction” Certification Training Course. This four-week training was just the beginning for this select group of trainees. Applicants from various walks of life were accepted into the program, which certifies students on building deconstruction, an environmentally-friendly alternative to demolition in which trained deconstruction crews deconstruct buildings to salvage reusable materials, ultimately diverting the materials away from placement into local landfills. These materials often include doors, windows, cabinets, lighting and plumbing fixtures, framing lumber, roofing materials and floorings. Once salvaged, the materials are shipped to a retail warehouse with partnering organizations for sale and distribution to the public. According to Adolfo Ruiz, General Contractor and one of the trainers, the education that is provided is a great foundation for the students. “… We are touching on all bases of construction,” he said. “This is a good program to learn different things: construction, deconstruction; it’s a great crew and great supervisors that show us and explain to us that there’s never a stupid question,” said Alice P. Gomez. “We got involved through Time for Change, who introduced us to SBETA. We saw the papers on construction classes and thought we’ll just go ahead and try it,” said Gomez. “We figured it was all for men, but women applied for it too. We were surprised when we got picked. And then we passed the test. It gives you hope that women of all ages can do something this strong, not only men.” The program also works with SBETA (San Bernardino Employment and Training Agency), where interested applicants apply for open spots in the TRP program, an assessment and action planning process funded by SBETA, the City of San Bernardino’s federally funded workforce investment board. “I’m actually attending a re-entry program in San Bernardino and they had a flyer … it was word of mouth that they were starting a deconstruction program and I really wanted to be a part of it—talking about revitalizing San Bernardino, making a change—and I just really wanted to be a part of it. So I came down, went to SBETA, and took the assessment test. I passed. They called me back about five that evening and they told me to come back for the necessary drug test and screening, and here I am right now,” said Carleton Lyons. “After completing the course, I heard about how they were helping out people with low-income housing, so I definitely wanted to see what it was all about,” said Joseph Swisher, student. “And it was a perfect opportunity for me to get involved. I’ll get a contractor’s license next, and that’s my goal for this.” John Lops interjected, “I would say, for others interested in this program, it’s probably going to be the best opportunity that comes around, unless someone gives you a lottery ticket, because this is so new and cutting-edge. There are not many companies doing this, so the number of people doing it is such a small amount and the income potential is so vast and large because of it and where the earth is going as far as being destroyed by waste and biohazards and landfills getting overpopulated. Even cemeteries are getting overpopulated, you know, so this is just another way of preserving life on this planet.” “It’s putting things back to use and the economy sucks right now so most people need as many advantages as they can get as far as getting the most for their money. This program allows that,” said Lops.