EcoWorks, a Detroit-based, minority- and woman-led environmental justice nonprofit, has received a $20 million Community Change Grant (CCG) — a historic milestone and one of only two awarded in Michigan. The funding will support climate resilience, reduce energy burdens, and promote social and environmental justice in underserved communities in Southeast Michigan.
The initiative is led by Executive Director Briana DuBose and in collaboration with Solar Faithful and Michigan Interfaith Power & Light. Key goals include:
- Energy-efficient upgrades and solar installations
- Creation of community resilience hubs
- Green infrastructure and EV charger installations
- Job creation and resident education on clean energy and climate resilience
Fifteen community organizations were also awarded symbolic “golden tickets,” signifying their participation in the grant initiative. These include churches, soup kitchens, and community centers.
The program aims to:
- Improve air quality and reduce flooding
- Expand access to clean transportation
- Provide energy independence and cost savings
- Establish 20 food pantries/soup kitchens as resilience hubs during emergencies
Speakers at the announcement included local and state leaders emphasizing Detroit’s role in sustainable development and the importance of infrastructure investment in advancing environmental justice.
For more details, visit: ecoworksdetroit.org.
