Building Materials Exchange (BME)

Started with a single gift of 50 water heaters in 1985, the Building Materials Exchange annually helps over 1,200 low-income home owners maintain and improve their houses by providing them with new and salvaged building materials at low-to-no cost.

Good economics and good ecology characterize the BME’s operation. New and used building materials are distributed at less than 25 percent of market value to income-qualified families, allowing them to improve their homes, and build higher levels of equity. Project revenue supports almost 40 percent of operation costs, and city support is leveraged yet again by the donation of materials from corporations, contractors, and homeowners doing remodeling.

Many donors are gratified to learn that the modest prices charged by the BME improve access to materials for many, but discourage abuse of the resource. 

Membership in the BME is free, but proof of home ownership and income level is required with the application. Non-profit organizations serving the needy are also able to use the Exchange after submitting an application with proof of 501(C)(3) status.

Besides helping families improve their housing and build a durable asset, the Building Materials Exchange helps the environment by diverting significant tonnage from landfills and fostering greater reuse of serviceable appliances, kitchen cabinets, and stainless and porcelain fixtures. Upon several occasions, donors have given the BME the salvage rights to entire Mainline homes that were being razed for development.

Working with an experienced contractor who continues to run “Pre-demolition Sales” allowed even the terracotta roof to be removed and salvaged!

If you want to help people and the environment while saving on hauling costs and getting a charitable deduction, do it all with single phone call!

The Building Materials Exchange
215-423-3613

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