GRID Reactivates a Solar System at Las Memorias Hospice and Addiction Support Facility in Tijuana, Mexico

On December 2nd, to help commemorate World AIDS Day, GRID Alternatives’ International Program, alongside local students from Universidad Tecnológica de Tijuana, reactivated an unused photovoltaic system that had fallen into disrepair at Albergue Las Memorias in Tijuana, Mexico.

Las Memorias is a residential hospice and addiction support facility for homeless men, women and children with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. It has been open for 20 years and they currently serve an average of 130 people each day. They serve 3 meals a day to patients and offer a safe space for those in need of shelter as well as providing medical attention, palliative care, counseling and addiction recovery services.

Las Memorias was provided with a solar system years ago but it had fallen into disrepair so they hadn't received any power from the panels on their roof. Reactivating their solar system offsets 40% of their current electricity bill, saving them money which can be put towards other equally important needs, such as transportation to/from medical facilities and appointments, basic clinical supplies, or expensive drugs to treat tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

Albergue Las Memorias is finally unlocking the full potential of its photovoltaic system and has access to reliable and affordable electricity to power their facility. This project was made possible thanks to International Program donors and the efforts of our local partners: GeckoLogic and Tijuana’s Technological University (UTT). This project provided UTT students with a hands-on serving-learning opportunity which strengthened their technical skills. They hope to use those skills after graduation to become part of the expanding renewable energy industry in Mexico. 

Join us in facilitating access to a clean, renewable and reliable source of energy in vulnerable communities of Baja California. Support from individual donors, as well as partnerships with other organizations and companies is critical to enabling GRID Alternatives to make renewable energy and job training accessible to underserved communities like those served at Albergue Las Memorias.