At The Green Mission and GM ESG Solutions, we believe that sustainable progress is driven by strong collaborations, shared vision, and boots-on-the-ground dedication. That is why it was such a pleasure to meet with Jason Dess and Isael Hernandez, from Milwaukee’s Habitat for Humanity, two leaders who are as passionate about responsible deconstruction and materials reuse as we are. Their dedication to both environmental and community impact is matched by the incredible work being done across their team, including the always-impressive Jodee Benevides, whose insight and experience have become a cornerstone in our shared efforts.
Working alongside their team has already proven to be one of the most rewarding collaborations in our expansion across the Midwest. As Green Mission ESG Solutions continues to grow, we are proud to deepen our work together on both residential and commercial projects, ensuring that valuable materials do not end up in landfills but instead serve new purposes in homes, businesses, and communities.
The Milwaukee Reuse Market: A Model for Regional Circularity
Milwaukee is not just a city with strong architectural character and industrial legacy—it is also home to one of the most active and organized reuse markets in the Midwest. Whether through nonprofit leadership or community-based recovery networks, Milwaukee stands out as a model for what happens when sustainability, affordability, and equity are aligned in practice.
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity: Where Affordable Housing and Reuse
Intersect
https://milwaukeehabitat.org/
For decades, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity has been a force for equitable homeownership. But their mission extends well beyond just building houses. Through their deconstruction services and the operation of ReStores across the region, Habitat integrates reuse and salvage into the heart of their work.
Their deconstruction crew offers full and partial removals of reusable building materials, from cabinetry and fixtures to doors, windows, and hardwood flooring. These items are then diverted from the landfill and resold at Habitat ReStores, generating revenue to build more affordable homes. This approach not only protects the environment, it directly funds housing for families in need. It is a self-sustaining circular system that aligns with everything we believe in at The Green Mission.
We are continually inspired by their commitment to measurable impact and look forward to future collaborations that expand both residential recovery and economic development through material reuse.
ReStore Wauwatosa: A Hub of Local Sustainability
https://milwaukeerestore.org/locations/restore-wauwatosa/
Located at 109th and Potter, the Wauwatosa ReStore is more than just a retail outlet, it is a reuse ecosystem in action. Serving residents, contractors, and DIYers alike, the store provides access to quality reclaimed materials at deeply affordable prices. This not only supports sustainability, but also democratizes access to high-quality building components. Donations to the ReStore, from both homeowners and businesses, receive tax benefits, while customers find everything from reclaimed cabinets to lighting fixtures, flooring, and appliances.
The store embodies triple-bottom-line impact:
• Environmental benefits through landfill diversion • Economic support for Habitat housing programs • Social equity through affordable access to building materials
As we expand the services of GM ESG Solutions across Wisconsin, we are excited to support ReStore’s mission through responsible deconstruction collaborations, tax-compliant valuation services, and collaborative public awareness campaigns that elevate the value of salvage and reuse.
Looking Ahead
Whether working alongside innovators like Jason, Isael, and Jodee, or amplifying the essential work of Habitat for Humanity and its ReStores, we are honored to be part of a growing movement that recognizes the true value in what others throw away. The Milwaukee area is proving that environmental stewardship and economic inclusion are not mutually exclusive, they are mutually reinforcing.
We are proud to contribute our valuation expertise, ESG reporting tools, and project support to this circular ecosystem and look forward to building more together.
