EcoWorks, a Detroit-based nonprofit focused on climate change, has received a $20 million Community Change Grant from the EPA to transform 15 local places of worship and community organizations into climate resilience hubs. These hubs will serve as safe shelters and food access points during power outages, while also improving energy efficiency through solar panels, weatherization, and backup power systems.
Key components of the initiative include:
- Supporting organizations like soup kitchens and food pantries.
- Upgrading facilities for energy resilience.
- Launching a low-cost EV rideshare program with charging stations.
- Partnerships with Solar Faithful and Michigan Interfaith Power & Light for technical support and community engagement.
Community leaders and state officials praised the initiative for its community-centered climate action and historic investment in climate justice.
