The ReUse People Austin

04/22/2026

Toward the end of last year I had the honor of receiving a Merit Award for Public Service for 2025 by Preservation Austin. This award was the ideal culmination of my work for the past 11 years. It has been a great experience and a privilege to represent The ReUse People here in Austin, a nonprofit whose mission is to keep building materials out of the landfill and distribute them for reuse. I am incredibly proud to have helped divert hundreds of tons of reusable materials from the landfill through both deconstruction and intact house relocation. I’m also proud of the advocacy work I have done in collaboration with another wonderful nonprofit, Preservation Austin, lobbying the City of Austin to change processes and policies and create a more level playing field between house relocation and demolition. Doing meaningful work that you enjoy and fulfills your soul is pretty special; being recognized for it is the icing on the cake.

When this opportunity presented itself in 2015 it was daunting because it was vastly different from any of my previous careers. But sometimes you just have to take the leap and have faith that things will work out, and even if they don’t, it is good to have tried. Indeed, with much persistence and concerted effort, things did work out. For that, I owe considerable thanks to all of my clients, partner contractors, Preservation Austin, the Habitat for Humanity Restore, the architecture community, and everyone else who believed in this program, providing support and referrals through the years.

Now I’ve set my sights on retirement and we are looking for someone to take over the operation here. Ideally, this person will be passionate about saving houses and building materials from the landfill and will have some experience in the construction field (although not essential). It is a unique independent contractor role that never gets boring (at least for me) and being your own boss certainly has its benefits (and risks, of course). If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more, please reach out to me at [email protected] or DM me and pass the information on to others who may be interested. Thanks!

10/28/2025

Approximately 3.5 million Texans are set to lose their SNAP benefits (i.e, food stamps) in November because of the government shutdown. Many of those folks are our neighbors here in Austin and many were already struggling! The food banks are going to have to step up to help fill that need. So *PLEASE* donate whatever you can to the Central Texas Food Bank or the food pantry of your choice. Many churches and other houses of worship have food pantries as well and all could use your help.

'The Central Texas Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas, providing immediate access to nutritious food and innovative programming and education. Our mission is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in the fight against hunger.'

09/08/2025

This project took more hard work than most but in the end it was worth it to save this charming 1940’s cottage and ADU in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood from the landfill. A gentleman named Pete Rhoades bought and moved the houses to his property near Smithville. Pete was a pleasure to work with and is thrilled to have a piece of old Austin (where he was born and raised) now situated on his peaceful, rural land for many years to come. He also took the above ground pool, all of the artificial turf, and wood fencing from the property.
Brown and Sons House Movers once again did what they do best—transported this house in two pieces over 50 miles to the destination site and put it back together flawlessly. You would never know the house had been cut in two. Many thanks to the property owner, Tri Vo, for donating the vintage houses and to Pete for coming to their rescue!