Climate change can impact anyone’s daily life in many ways, but not all climate impacts are created equal or distributed equally. The Shalom Project is a partnership between Peace Lutheran Church in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in West Tacoma, who work together to advocate for climate justice. They seek solutions by implementing projects to reduce carbon consumption and use renewable energy to bring about social change in our communities.
In 2023, the Shalom Project received a $50,000 Evergreen Options grant from Tacoma Power to help install a solar array on low-income rental homes owned by Peace Lutheran. These homes operate as part of an affordable housing initiative. This project benefits the families living in these units by reducing their utility burden. It has a broader impact on our community by providing affordable housing and boosting the local economy.
The grant money also went towards the installation of 249 400-watt solar panels on the roof of St. Mark’s, which reduced a large percentage of their electricity usage. In May 2022, they took advantage of the Tacoma Power Bright Rebates program and replaced all their lighting with LED fixtures. Shortly after finishing the lighting upgrades, the church received a rebate check for about $3,300. The estimated energy savings for the project is around 22,000 kWh, with an estimated annual utility bill savings over $2000. Their investment will pay for itself in 2.5 years. The project also included the installation of an EV charging station in the church’s parking area for community use. Adding energy-efficient equipment also made sense for their operations, as it helps offset the church’s energy costs and reduces their environmental impact, freeing up more of the church’s resources for future programs.
Given their focus on the unequal impacts of climate change on marginalized populations, the two congregations want to demonstrate the value of renewable energy and showcase the feasibility of projects like this in the Hilltop neighborhood. Addressing the issue of climate justice through their housing ministry and community engagement has been an eye-opening experience for everyone involved.
Brendan Nelson, Director of Community Engagement and Outreach for Peace Lutheran, explained the importance of the solar projects. “These projects tell our community that green energy works for everyone.”
Peach Lutheran received funding to help them construct a small home but needed additional financial assistance as a nonprofit to make their dream a reality. The Tacoma Power grant provided them enough money to add a solar array to the home’s rooftop. The Evergreen Options grant is funded by residential and commercial power customers who are Evergreen Options participants and want to invest in renewable energy generation in our region. Funds are used to purchase and support renewable energy.
The utility believes in partnering with its customers to reduce their energy use. These partnerships help ensure our region’s energy needs get met in the future. Programs like Evergreen Options present a vital opportunity to keep development and renewable energy projects local, benefiting other Tacoma Power customers who provide services to the community.