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In our ongoing mission to champion sustainability and advocate for environmental justice, Sustainable Stillwater MN is proud to unveil our latest initiative, "Solar For Cimarron." Under the guidance of our committed leader, Linda Countryman, we are excited to announce a significant milestone: the receipt of a $5,000 grant from the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary to support a solar initiative at Cimarron.
This grant is essential for implementing the project, not just a financial boost; it's a testament to our organization's dedication to advancing environmental causes and our ability to secure vital funding for projects aimed at combating climate change. Through "Solar For Cimarron," we are not only reducing carbon emissions but also directly improving the lives of residents in the Cimarron community.
At the heart of this initiative is a transformative partnership with Cooperative Energy Futures, a Minnesota-based clean energy cooperative. Together, with help from The Home Energy Squad and Family Means, and Cimarron’s Resident’s Association, we are working to empower residents of the Cimarron Mobile Home Park by providing them with access to solar energy through a new community solar garden. This initiative holds particular significance as mobile home residents often face disproportionately high energy costs, placing financial strain on already vulnerable households.
The concept behind the solar gardens is elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful. Residents subscribe to receive a share of the solar array's output without any upfront costs. Each month, they enjoy discounted electricity bills, resulting in tangible savings and a more sustainable way of living. By partnering with Cooperative Energy Futures, we are not just providing clean energy; we are fostering community ownership and economic empowerment.
What sets this initiative apart is our unwavering commitment acting towards to inclusivity and accessibility. Cooperative Energy Futures has pledged to reserve a significant portion of the solar garden's capacity exclusively for Cimarron households, ensuring that those most in need benefit from this renewable energy solution. Through "Solar For Cimarron," we are striving to address environmental injustice and uplift marginalized communities.
"Solar For Cimarron" meets the environmental goals of Stillwater Sunrise Rotary, and embodies Sustainable Stillwater MN's core values of community empowerment, environmental stewardship, and social equity. It is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations collaborate with purpose and determination. As we move forward, we remain committed to advocating for sustainable solutions that benefit not just the environment but also the people who call our community home. Together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.