St. Francis Center Collaborates on Solar Project for Affordable Housing

One sentence summary – St. Francis Center, in collaboration with Everybody Solar and ARE Solar, is installing a solar array at its Warren Residences housing complex in Denver to provide affordable supportive housing for unhoused community members, reduce energy costs and the carbon footprint, create job training opportunities, and address the root causes of homelessness in the city.

At a glance

• St. Francis Center is collaborating with Everybody Solar and ARE Solar to install a 26.24-kW solar array at its Warren Residences housing complex in Denver.
• The project aims to provide affordable supportive housing for unhoused community members transitioning out of homelessness.
• The solar installation at the Warren Residences will contribute to a more sustainable future and reduce energy costs and carbon footprint.
• The project also aims to create job training opportunities for unhoused community members, with two trainees identified for the solar installation.
• St. Francis Center plays a significant role in addressing homelessness in Denver, with high rent, job scarcity, and mental health issues being primary causes.

The details

St. Francis Center, in collaboration with Everybody Solar and ARE Solar, has embarked on a project to install a 26.24-kW solar array at its Warren Residences housing complex in Denver.

The project aims to provide affordable supportive housing for unhoused community members seeking to transition out of homelessness.

Simultaneously, the initiative seeks to reduce energy costs and the carbon footprint of the St. Francis Center.

The solar installation at the Warren Residences is expected to contribute to a more sustainable future.

The project also aims to create job training opportunities for unhoused community members.

As part of this initiative, two trainees were identified for the solar installation.

One of the trainees has successfully secured full-time employment with ARE Solar.

This success story underscores the commitment of St. Francis Center to equip individuals with the skills they need to transition out of homelessness.

St. Francis Center plays a significant role in addressing homelessness in Denver.

In 2022, the center recorded a total of 171,049 daily visits from guests.

On average, 469 different individuals sought assistance each day.

High rent, job scarcity, and mental health issues are the primary causes of homelessness in Denver.

These issues have been further exacerbated by the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the increased need for support for unhoused individuals due to the pandemic, St. Francis Center has developed a renewable energy workforce program in partnership with ARE Solar.

The program aims to offer job opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

This provides a pathway to stable employment for those seeking to transition out of homelessness.

The partnership between St. Francis Center, Everybody Solar, and ARE Solar demonstrates the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges faced by unhoused individuals.

By installing the solar array at the Warren Residences, St. Francis Center not only reduces its own energy costs but also sets an example for sustainable and socially responsible housing solutions.

The project serves as a testament to the positive impact that renewable energy initiatives can have on both the environment and the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness.

St. Francis Center’s commitment to creating affordable housing opportunities, reducing its carbon footprint, and offering job training opportunities is a step towards addressing the root causes of homelessness and creating a more inclusive and sustainable community in Denver.

Article X-ray