South Dallas Innercity Community Development Corporation Is Going Solar, Thanks to Green Mountain Energy Sun Club
New system will offset 78% of building energy needs
DALLAS, August 24, 2022 /3BL Media/ – The South Dallas/Fair Park Innercity Community Development Corporation (ICDC) is taking another step toward sustainability by installing a solar array on the roof of its building. Green Mountain Energy Sun Club donated nearly $130,000 for this eco-friendly upgrade.
The 50.8 kW solar array will reduce the building’s greenhouse gas emissions, serve as an educational tool, and increase ICDC’s resilience. The new system will offset approximately 78% of the building energy needs, allowing ICDC to build more energy efficient affordable housing in the community and provide workforce training for green construction, homeownership counseling, and a business incubation program for community members.
“The application of solar energy to our service areas represents a new facet of community development for ICDC,” said Diane Ragsdale, ICDC executive director and founder. “We are eager to explore the many ways that this resource can help revitalize and stabilize the South Dallas/Fair Park communities. We recognize and value this window of opportunity that Green Mountain Energy has provided through Sun Club.”
Founded in 1986, ICDC has led and served as a catalyst for reinvestment in South Dallas/Fair Park neighborhoods. Building on the determination of South Dallas/Fair Park residents, ICDC continues to develop resources through the construction of new, energy efficient housing and renovations of existing homes, in communities that have endured decades of disinvestment. Since its initial founding, ICDC has constructed over 250 homes.
“We recognize the important work that ICDC is doing to revitalize underserved communities and we are excited to play a role in making their impact even greater,” said Mark Parsons, Green Mountain Energy vice president. “At Green Mountain Energy, we believe sustainability should be accessible to all.”
Since 2002, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club has advanced sustainability by donating nearly $11.7 million to 143 nonprofit organizations across Texas and the Northeast. Sun Club® supports projects that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, education and awareness, clean transportation, and sustainable agriculture. Green Mountain Energy invites its customers and employees to contribute and champion sustainability for people and for the planet.
Through ICDC’s partnership with Dallas College, trainees in the workforce program earn industry recognized certifications that lead to living wage jobs. Additionally, through a partnership with Green Careers Dallas, a nonprofit providing solar installation training as a pathway to living wage work in a lasting career, solar installation apprentices will have an onramp to clean energy careers.
ICDC's Community Education efforts are designed to engage the community, to help organize neighborhood residents, and to help address neighborhood concerns and issues. Neighbors are empowered to develop solutions and opportunities that enhance community dynamics and develop quality of life.
Those that seek homeownership are provided with free group and one-on-one counseling sessions. These sessions cover:
- Pre-Purchase Counseling
- Credit Counseling and Restoration
- Financial Literacy Workshops
- Assistance with Down Payment
- Neighborhood Involvement and Beautification
- Homebuyer Education Classes
- Post-Purchase Counseling
The energy cost savings from the new solar array will allow more than 360 individuals to receive this assistance.
About Green Mountain Energy Sun Club
Green Mountain Energy is changing the way power is made and advancing sustainable communities through the work of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club® has donated more than $11 million to 143 nonprofit organizations across Texas and the Northeast. Sun Club collaborates with nonprofit organizations on projects that focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship. To learn more about Green Mountain Energy and Sun Club or to apply for a Sun Club grant, visit greenmountain.com/sunclub.
About South Dallas Innercity Community Development Corporation
Founded in 1986, ICDC is a community-based 501(c) 3 nonprofit with a mission to create vibrant, stable and safe South Dallas Fair Park neighborhoods by building partnerships that provide homeownership, economic development, workforce training, community education, and advocacy, all gathered under the umbrella of holistic community development.
GME Media Contact
Estefania Joy
713-537-5735
media@greenmountain.com
Twitter: @GreenMtnEnergy
ICDC Media Contact
Cheryle Washington
214-915-9907
CYW-QEI@outlook.com
