Debt has been a constant for years at Buffalo ReUse. So has turmoil.

The organization was forced to move to its current location after eviction proceedings commenced for falling behind in rent and alleged damage to the Northampton building and parking lot.

Founding member Michael Gainer, whose vision propelled the group, was fired as executive director in 2009, rehired as program director and fired again the following year, leading to the resignations of a half-dozen staffers and charges that the board communicated poorly with staff and lacked transparency.

Community projects were discontinued, and the group’s expertise in deconstructing buildings largely left with Gainer.

The organization received a two-year, $200,000 grant from the John R. Oishei Foundation in 2008 and 2009, but Gainer’s reinstatement alienated the funder.

via Buffalo ReUse is running out of means – City & Region – The Buffalo News.