Madera Vista Apartments is a 110-unit mixed-income property located in Temecula, California. It is the first multifamily solar installation project in the region for GRID Alternatives Inland Empire (GRID IE), an affiliate of GRID Alternatives (GRID), the nation’s largest non-profit organization that makes renewable energy technology and job training accessible to underserved communities. GRID IE began installation of this 184kwDC solar system earlier this year. The Madera Vista multi-family project contains 13 buildings including a housing unit for seniors as well as 70 apartment units with tenants who are at or below 60 percent of the area median income.
On Wednesday, May 15, GRID IE celebrated this huge milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event included a short speaking program with special invited guests: Riverside County Board of Supervisor, Third District, Chuck Washington; Shanon Lampkins, Director of Portfolio for Bridge Housing; and Vice President of Regions for GRID Alternatives Bambi Tran. GRID IE staff, construction interns, Bridge Housing Development execs, tenants and a host of other special guests came out to help commemorate this event.
Supervisor Washington shared his inspiring story of how Madera Vista affordable housing project evolved, as well as how his relationship with GRID transpired during his term as Mayor of Temecula.
“I was so impressed with the mission of GRID providing solar technology to low-income families and now years later, I am so excited to see them broaden their scope of work for multi-family developments,” said Washington. He continued, “It raises the bar for the quality of life for the residents of this community and throughout the region.”
The solar system for Madera Vista Apartments will provide substantial savings on monthly electrical bills for the tenants. Funding for this project is possible through the state Multi-Family Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) Program and New Solar Home Program (NSHP) that provides incentives to solarize multi-family affordable housing residences.
GRID IE assists disadvantaged communities throughout the inland region with long-term relief from unpredictable utility costs, while training individuals for positions in the solar industry. GRID continues to have a significant economic impact in the regions they serve. To date, GRID IE has provided over 1,700 qualified low-income families with no cost solar and has invested over $20 million in Riverside County alone. That includes 18 families in Temecula who have received no cost solar through GRID. State and federal funds, as well as community partners such as the City of Temecula enables GRID to provide the benefits of solar technology and job training to communities who need it most.
To learn more about GRID visit gridalternatives.org or call 951-272-GRID (4743).
GRID Alternatives Inland Empire Celebrates First Multi-Family Project with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
