Community Forklift's programs provide low-cost building materials, appliances, and furniture to low-income individuals and families and to nonprofit organizations (social services, schools, gardening cooperatives, civic organizations, theaters) throughout the DMV. These salvaged and surplus, landfill-bound materials are "redirected" and made available at below-market rates (or at no cost to those with limited resources), creating assets that catalyze economic, housing, and community revitalization. Reuse keeps landfills from filling up, supplies the workforce with good, green jobs, and fits beautifully into homes and tight budgets (think an older washing machine, cleaned, tested, and ready for a second life). With social distancing measures in place, an online catalog of curated materials and furniture means community members can purchase pick-up items "dockside," with limited home delivery an option on an as-needed basis. Community doesn't sleep during a pandemic: neither does Forklift.
Headquarters: MD-Prince George's County
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; MD-Prince George's County; VA-Statewide; Port Towns area of Prince George's County
Age Groups Served: All
Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Individuals who identify as LGBTQ; Individuals living with HIV/AIDs; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Veterans/Military Families; Immigrants/Refugees
- $ amount of usable materials diverted from local landfills since 2001:
$45 million - Number of visits to our Reuse Center annually:
56,260 - Number of individuals impacted through our Community Giving programs annually:
50,541
Awards & Recognition
Prince George’s Sierra Club: Walter “Mike” Maloney Environmental Service Award (awarded to CEO Nancy J. Meyer), 2019
National Association of Remodeling Industries (NARI): DC Metro Community Service Award, 2019; DC Metro Image Award, 2011
Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation: NBC 4/Telemundo 44 - Project Innovation - Culture of Inclusion, 2019
eBay SHINE Awards for Small Business: Charitable Business Award, 2017
Green America: Green America Seal of Approval – Gold Certified Business, 2008 - 2018; People & Planet Award, 2013
City Paper:
Reader’s Choice Best Green Business, 2014 - 2020
Reader’s Choice Best Hardware Store, 2012 - 2013
Reader’s Choice Best Home Goods Store, 2010 - 2011
Washington Post Express:
1st Place Best Vintage Store, 2013
1st Place Best Home Store; 3rd Place Local Hardware Store, 2012
2nd Place Best Home Store, 2011
1st Place Best Hardware/DIY, 2010
Congressional Recognition: Certificate of Congressional Recognition by U.S. Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD), 2013.
Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce: Green Business of the Year, 2013
Alice Ferguson Foundation: Potomac Champion Award, 2011
Press
- Get Up Give Back gives $1000 to Community Forklift
Mon Feb 22 2021, WUSA-9
- Here Are 16 Nonprofits on Route 1 for Your End-of-Year Donations
Sun Dec 27 2020, Hyattsville Wire
Community Forklift was featured as one of the 16 nonprofits recommended for year end giving in 2020.
- This DC Stylist's Backyard Hair Salon Is Booking Months in Advance
Tue Dec 15 2020, Washingtonian
During the pandemic, DC hair stylist Felipe Rettig built a backyard hair salon shed with materials from Community Forklift.
Budget (FY0)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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