ReSOURCE gets $150,000 grant renovation project in downtown Barre

ReSOURCE has received a $150,000 grant from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation of Owings Mills, Maryland, for the final phase of a major renovation project at its historic Granite Street facility in downtown Barre.
ReSOURCE will use these funds for interior and exterior improvements to the building, which houses ReSOURCE’ s reuse social enterprise and job training programs, including YouthBuild, which builds and weatherizes affordable housing and provides new economic opportunities for the unemployed.
The $1.7 million renovation of the historic granite shed began four years ago and even though ReSOURCE has occupied the building during the process, full operation and full impact has not been reached. Renovations are expected to be completed in time for this summer’ s Barre Heritage Festival in late July. At that point, ReSOURCE will be serving even more Vermonters in need, offering low-cost or free essential household goods, and providing comprehensive on-the-job training and placement services to dozens of low-income central Vermont residents annually.
ReSOURCE integrates job training into the operation of its Household Goods and Building Materials Store and its Building Deconstruction Services, providing those in need with a new start or a hand up while keeping thousands of tons of material out of landfills annually. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and outstanding bargains can be found on household goods, appliances, furniture, computers, and more. The ReSOURCE YouthBuild team can also be hired to install residential solar energy systems, in addition to their work on affordable housing.
ReSOURCE is proud of the support from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation along with the long-time support of the Barre project’ s major sponsor, the National Life Foundation, and numerous local businesses and individuals. The sole purpose of the Weinberg Foundation is to assist financially disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals and families through nonprofit grants to direct-service providers and programs.
ReSOURCE’ s mission is to meet community and individual needs through (1) education and job skills training, (2) environmental stewardship, and (3) economic opportunities. Founded in 1991, it has facilities and programs in Burlington, Williston, Barre, and Morrisville.
BARRE, Vermont ‘ ReSOURCE 2.13.2013