A groundbreaking new initiative launching today aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Alabama and West Georgia with a significant $20 million investment focused on critical home repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, and community resilience projects for over 500 households.
Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Change Grant, this announcement promises to deliver vital improvements that will not only reduce household energy bills but also strengthen local infrastructure. The initiative will establish ten community resilience centers designed to protect residents during extreme weather events, ultimately fostering long-term economic and environmental benefits across multiple counties.
“This funding isn’t just about improving homes; it’s about building community power,” said Michelle Moore, CEO of Groundswell, the organization overseeing the initiative. “Our work delivers savings while also strengthening resilience and opportunity for all. By reducing energy burdens, enhancing local infrastructure, and investing in workforce development, we’re creating sustainable clean energy solutions that benefit families throughout Georgia and Alabama.”
The SOUL™ (Save On Utilities Long term) program is set to roll out over the next three years, providing home safety and energy efficiency upgrades specifically targeted at senior citizens and hardworking families grappling with high energy costs. The program will enhance home energy efficiency through crucial improvements such as better insulation, upgraded lighting, heating and air conditioning system repairs, roof repairs, and the replacement of aging appliances.
With an investment of over $11 million dedicated to home improvements, participating households can expect to lower their energy costs by an impressive 30% to 65% annually, while also improving indoor air quality and ensuring healthier living environments.
The initiative will particularly focus on five counties in Alabama and one in West Georgia, with the establishment of community resilience hubs that will provide essential resources during extreme weather events. These hubs are also projected to save local host institutions an estimated $6,000 per building per year, translating to over $100,000 in savings throughout the lifespan of the hub. This financial relief can be reinvested to further support the community.
In support of the initiative, Mayor Jamie Heard of the City of Lanett remarked, “Our community is full of hardworking people who deserve homes that are safe, efficient, and affordable to keep running. This grant gives us the chance to make sure folks aren’t struggling to heat their homes in the winter or cool them in the summer. Investing in our residents and their homes means investing in our local workforce, and that’s a win for everyone.”
The initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also promises to stimulate economic development by creating new opportunities for small businesses and enhancing workforce development programs in the region. Through collaboration between local officials, municipal partners, and community business owners, this investment stands to make a lasting impact on families and communities across Alabama and West Georgia.
As the program unfolds, residents can look forward to a brighter, more sustainable future where energy efficiency and community resilience are at the forefront of development efforts.
For more information on the SOUL program and how to apply for assistance, residents are encouraged to visit Groundswell’s official website or contact local municipal offices.well’s SOUL program. This funding will direct over $11 million into home improvements-reducing average annual energy burdens by 30% to 65%, improving indoor air quality, and increasing the overall health and safety of homes.
The grant will serve five counties in Alabama and one in West Georgia. The investment will support the development of community resilience hubs. These hubs will offer vital resources during extreme weather events while serving as long-term centers of stability and connection. Additionally, they will help local host institutions save on energy costs-an estimated $6,000 per year per building, or more than $100,000 over the hub’s lifespan-allowing those savings to be reinvested into serving the community even more effectively.
“This funding isn’t just about improving homes, it’s about building community power,” said Michelle Moore, CEO of Groundswell. “Groundswell’s initiatives are designed to ensure that our work delivers savings while also strengthening resilience and opportunity for all. By reducing energy burdens, strengthening local infrastructure, and investing in workforce development, we’re creating lasting, sustainable clean energy solutions that directly benefit families across Georgia and Alabama.”
The work will also support economic development-creating new opportunities for small businesses and enhancing workforce development opportunities.
“Our community is full of hardworking people who deserve homes that are safe, efficient, and affordable to keep running,” said City of Lanett Mayor Jamie Heard. “This grant gives us the chance to make sure folks aren’t struggling to heat their homes in the winter or cool them in the summer. Investing in our residents and their homes means investing in our local workforce, and that’s a win for everyone.”
