MIDWAY CITY : American Family Housing (AFH), a nonprofit organization that provides housing and related services to low-income and homeless families and adults in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties, is pleased to announce the addition of solar to its nationally acclaimed Potter’s Lane project.
On Tuesday, July 16, GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit solar energy installer and job trainer, will install solar panels over the newly constructed carports at Potter’s Lane. “With a core mission to provide solar energy to underserved communities, GRID Alternatives was a natural fit for our project,” said Milo Peinemann, AFH’s chief executive officer. “What’s even better is GRID Alternatives will use this project as a classroom environment for veterans seeking a career in solar installation. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Potter’s Lane was the nation’s first permanent supportive housing community that utilized repurposed shipping containers to create apartments for homeless military veterans. The project received architectural awards and media attention for its innovation and environmental stewardship. The installation of a solar panel system makes this innovative community event more “green” while giving local men and women a pathway into Southern California’s booming clean energy workforce.
“Potter’s Lane is an innovative community, and we’re proud to be installing multifamily solar for the veterans who live here,” said Michael Kadish, executive director of GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles. “Wells Fargo and AFH have partnered with us to bring clean energy’s benefits to those who need them most.”
American Family Housing estimates that the installation of 44.5 kW DC carport solar system will offset 94 percent of Potter’s Lane electricity consumption, saving an estimated $20,600 within the first year after installation, with increased savings throughout the life of the system. The solar carpark will also enhance the car-parking experience by providing both shade in the daytime and lighting in the evenings, as well as protection from the rain.
Wells Fargo Foundation provided essential funding for both the carports and the solar system – but its commitment extends beyond funding with its employees volunteering to help with the solar panel installation, as well as engaging in landscaping enhancements, and leading a cleanup project in the surrounding neighborhood.
“Wells Fargo is proud to partner with American Family Housing and GRID Alternatives to provide energy savings for our veterans and to invest in career pathways to green technology jobs,” said Marcia Choo, vice president, Wells Fargo Community Relations. “We also look forward to rolling up our sleeves to beautify Potter’s Lane and the surrounding community.”
For more information, visit www.afhusa.org.
ABOUT AMERICAN FAMILY HOUSING: Founded in 1985, American Family Housing (AFH) is a nonprofit organization that provides a continuum of housing and a broad spectrum of services to vulnerable populations facing barriers to achieving housing stability, including war veterans and adults with disabilities and mental illness. Operating 60 housing sites with 300 units that serve more than 1,000 adults and children each year in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties, AFH is committed to permanently ending the cycle of homelessness, helping low-income families and adults achieve a self-sustaining way of life and become active members of their communities.For more information, visit www.afhusa.org.
