As a single mother raising two sons on her own, Marbelys Torres moved to Desert Hot Springs to provide a better life for her family. She found out about Coachella Valley Housing Coalition’s Self Help Housing Program, which provides housing opportunities for qualified families. The guidelines of the program requires the recipient to participate in the building of their new home. Maribelys’ new home took a year to build with assistance from her mom, aunts and sons. “It’s really a great program and we get to see the fruits of our labor,” said Marbelys.
Marbelys first heard about GRID Alternatives through her neighbor Jaime Torres who qualified and received solar through GRID’s Energy for All no cost solar program. Marbelys had received quotes from various solar companies, but could not afford the cost. Jaime explained how GRID was different and encouraged her to call. The application process was seamless and GRID’s staff addressed all of her questions and concerns. Many of her neighbors on her block already had solar installed by GRID and were very happy with the savings and work they had received. She was excited when she found out she qualified for GRID’s program.
Marbelys’ 13 panel, 3.7 kW solar system will yield a 20-year lifetime savings of $18,000, which prevents 70 tons of greenhouse gases in the environment and equates to taking 10 cars off the road for a year. “As a first-time homebuyer, when I bought my home I was living on a very limited income and had many expenses. The savings on my electric bill will help me to get back on track financially and pay off debt including helping with my son’s college education,” said Marbelys.
At Marbelys’ solar installation, special guests from the California Legislative Education Institute who were visiting from Sacramento came to the install to see the impact that GRID Alternatives was having in the region. The program included speakers from Desert Hot Springs High School REAL Academy and Palm Springs Unified School District who provided volunteers, as well as community partner Coachella Valley Housing Coalition who shared information about their programs.
GRID Alternatives is national leader helping underserved communities everywhere by providing clean, affordable solar technology and job training for families who need it most. Visit www.gridsolar.org or call 951.465.2864 to see if you qualify.