As part of our ongoing efforts to inform and assist the public about ways to improve resiliency and to reduce carbon emissions, in late 2022 CAAV formed a coalition with several local organizations: Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalists (HUU), Shenandoah Valley Faith and Climate (SVFC), and 50by25 Harrisonburg (50by25). Our collective purpose was to help eligible homeowners and renters learn about a weatherization and energy efficiency effort in our area.
Community Housing Partners (CHP), a non-profit that assists individuals to reduce their energy bills, has a presence in Harrisonburg and is working there and in Rockingham County and has been working to identify potential applicants who could benefit from their programs. CHP is partnering with Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC). After HUU donated $3,500 to fund a pilot project, we reached out to Comité Salvadoreño Paisanos Unidos (COSPU), a Harrisonburg non-profit serving the Hispanic community. Since June 2023, COSPU has used the funding to contact members of the residents they serve.The coalition learned in early June about an opportunity to apply for grant funds being offered by Clean Virginia, we did so. As our press release says, we are thrilled to receive the grant! When COSPU completes its efforts later in the summer, the coalition will assess the results and determine the best way to move forward. We anticipate working with several area non-profits who work with individuals who may be eligible for CHP’s programs.
CAAV’s Press Release about this to local media outlets is here: July 20 2023 CAAV Press Release_Clean VA Grant
In the media:
Augusta Free Press: https://augustafreepress.com/news/35k-grant-to-connect-homeowners-renters-with-programs-to-reduce-household-energy-burdens/
Daily News-Record: Climate Action Nonprofit Awarded $35K Grant
-Joy Loving, CAAV Steering Committee