March 10, 2022
The City of South Bend has announced the first round of recipients of its new Energy Assistance and Solar Savings Initiative (EASSI) to assist local nonprofits, schools, and other community organizations to install solar panels and make energy efficiency upgrades.
“We’re thrilled to announce this first cohort of the EASSI program and look forward to working with them to make sustainable improvements to their facilities,” said Evie Bauman, Director of Sustainability. “We also look forward to accepting another round of applications and naming a new cohort in the fall.”
The Spring Cohort includes the following organizations:
- YWCA North Central Indiana
- Near Northwest Neighborhood
- The Beacon Resource Center
- La Casa de Amistad
- South Bend Civic Theatre
- Paramount Schools of Excellence
- Holy Cross Parish and School
- St. Adalbert Catholic School
The program, a partnership between the City of South Bend, IFF, and CDFI Friendly South Bend, will allow local nonprofits, schools, public libraries, medical facilities, grocery stores, and churches to apply for a free energy assessment, grant funding for improvements, and optional low interest lending through IFF.
“The Beacon Resource Center is very proud to call the former Beacon Bowling alley home. However operating programming in a 60+ year old facility with very outdated energy sources equates to substantial utility cost, especially in the winter months,” said Jeff Walker, Executive Director of The Beacon Resource Center. “Through the assessment and financial support of the EASSI program, The Beacon will not only become more environmentally aware but with the implementation of modern energy sources we will be able to reduce building emissions, reduce energy bills and become energy independent.”
The program can also help qualifying organizations make contact with pre-qualified contractors and assist with project management.
“We are learning about what it means to reduce our carbon footprint in our community and thanks to the cohort’s support, we are putting forth a plan to increase awareness around going solar,” said Juan Constantino, Executive Director of La Casa De Amistad. “Our goal is to install solar panels on our new building’s roof and to advocate for others to consider doing the same across the City of South Bend.”
To learn more about the program, visit southbendin.gov/eassi.