Dallas Hope Charities announced the launch of its groundbreaking “Powering Hope” sustainability project, made possible by a $121,000 grant from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. This transformative initiative is designed to enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of the Dallas Hope Center, ensuring a brighter, greener future for the LGBTQIA+ community we serve.
The “Powering Hope” project officially kicked off with a check presentation event on September 4, 2024, where representatives from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club and Dallas Hope Charities gathered to celebrate this impactful project. The grant will fund several key sustainability initiatives at the Dallas Hope Center, including the installation of solar panels, battery storage, an electric vehicle, and an electric vehicle charging station. The center will be 100% powered by solar energy, which will prevent 20,359 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year. This is the equivalent of not driving 26,187 miles or recycling 113,477 plastic bottles.
“This grant from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club is a game-changer for Dallas Hope Charities,” said Tamika Perry, Chief Executive Officer at Dallas Hope Charities. “It empowers us to integrate sustainability into our everyday operations, reducing our environmental impact while enhancing the support we provide to our residents.”
The “Powering Hope” project will significantly reduce the Dallas Hope Center’s carbon footprint and operational costs, allowing the organization to redirect savings toward its core mission of providing food, shelter, and services that instill dignity, stability, and hope. The electric vehicle provided by the grant will be used to transport residents to crucial destinations such as job interviews, volunteer opportunities, full-time jobs, internships, and medical and mental health appointments. This vehicle will also support the outreach efforts of Dallas Hope Charities, enabling them to better serve the LGBTQIA+ community across Dallas.
Green Mountain Energy’s mission is to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy, and to advance sustainable communities through Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $14 million for 164 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Green Mountain Energy invites its customers and employees to contribute and help support more projects that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.
“At Green Mountain Energy, we’re thrilled to join forces with Dallas Hope Charities on the ‘Powering Hope’ project,” said Andrea Ortega-Toledano, senior director of sustainability, Green Mountain Energy. “This initiative exemplifies our commitment to fostering sustainable communities, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on Dallas Hope Charities and the people it serves.”
In addition to the solar panels and an electric vehicle, the “Powering Hope” project includes plans to install electric hand dryers, reduce paper waste and energy consumption, and a rainwater harvesting system for the center’s backyard garden, promoting water conservation and sustainable gardening practices.
source: press release