Founded in 2001, Second Chance takes on the work of deconstructing buildings and salvaging usable materials, giving both people and resources a meaningful, sustainable path forward. We combine community support, environmental responsibility, and workforce development to create a ripple effect of positive impact—providing individuals with practical job training, salvaging architectural materials, and extending the lifespan of the architectural legacy of Baltimore, the mid-Atlantic and beyond.
At Second Chance, our mission is simple and direct: we strive to retrain, reclaim, and renew. We believe that individuals facing employment barriers deserve opportunities for career growth and stability. By providing hands-on job training and skill development, we equip people for sustainable careers. Through our deconstruction projects, we rescue valuable building materials and reduce landfill waste, supporting a greener future for Baltimore and beyond.
Each step we take is grounded in our commitment to:
We call this our “triple-bottom-line” approach, and it guides every decision we make. Our work doesn’t just provide materials for reuse; it helps individuals rebuild their lives and contributes to the city’s rich architectural heritage.
Our over 200,000-square-foot retail footprint is just one part of our story. Here, salvaged materials find new homes, but behind every reclaimed piece of furniture, lumber, or fixture is a story of training and transformation. Second Chance works with Baltimore residents facing employment challenges—those who have been displaced, unemployed, or are returning to the workforce after significant life events. These individuals train with us to learn skills in deconstruction, salvage, warehousing, retail, operations, and customer service.
With this practical experience, they gain more than a paycheck—they build confidence, gain purpose, and find the means to provide for their families. Through this approach, we help build a “green collar” workforce, one that takes pride in protecting the environment while developing marketable skills in a growing field.
At Second Chance, we believe in preserving America’s rich architectural heritage. When a building comes down, we see more than debris; we see opportunity. Our experienced deconstruction team collaborates with property owners, architects, and developers to identify buildings with valuable materials, removing reusable components instead of demolishing them. This process, called “deconstruction,” preserves architectural details and redirects them from the landfill to our store, where the community can find and repurpose these items.
Our deconstruction work also provides educational benefits. Each site we work on is a “living classroom” where trainees gain practical experience while preserving the historical and cultural legacy of Baltimore’s buildings. Many people say we’re “Part Home Depot, Part History Depot,” and our logo embodies this, with the green leaf symbolizing our environmental mission and the Greco column representing our dedication to preserving architectural history.
Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond environmental impact. Every item saved from the landfill, every person trained for a new career, and every material repurposed contributes to a healthier, more vibrant community. We focus on:
The work we do at Second Chance relies on the support of our community. From donated materials and volunteer time to in-store purchases, every contribution helps us continue our mission. Buildings and people both hold stories worth preserving, and with your help, we can give them a new beginning.
If you’re looking to support a local nonprofit that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives and the environment, consider supporting Second Chance. Together, we can keep architectural legacy alive and create lasting opportunities for its residents. Contact us using the adjacent form for more information, or click the button to learn how to support our mission today.