At Mil Cities Community Investments + Foundation for Business Equity, we strongly believe that you should have access to clean energy for a healthier and safer community. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many individuals. In 2020, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) reported that a disproportionate number of Hispanic, Black, and Native American households face a higher energy burden nationally compared to white households. Additionally, the national average energy burden for low-income households is three times higher than higher income households, as reported by the Department of Energy (DOE). The transition towards clean energy should prioritize the communities that are most adversely affected by climate change, which are often minority and low-income communities.
For Earth Month, we have identified four key areas and curated a list of resources for each to provide guidance and tips to homeowners who are interested in learning more: Energy Efficient Homes, Solar Panels, Electrical Vehicles, and Saving on Energy Bills. Additionally, we invite you explore our Home Improvement, Solar Plus, Lead Removal, and Mass Save® HEAT Loan programs to learn more about how we can support you as well. Happy Earth Month!
Energy Efficient Homes
As defined by Energy Star, “energy efficiency means using less energy to get the same job done – and in the process, cutting energy bills and reducing pollution.” One of the most effective ways for homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint, save money on energy bills, and create a healthier living environment for their families is to install energy-efficient systems and appliances in their homes. This could include measures such as adding more insulation to the house to reduce heat loss, installing heat pumps, or exploring alternative power sources such as solar energy. To assist you in getting started, we have provided some resources below. At MCCI, we offer Home Improvement loans, which include upgrades to inefficient cooling and heating systems, in addition to being a Mass Save® HEAT Loan lender. To learn more, please refer to the resources listed below.
There are many advantages to installing solar panels in your home. By doing so, you can decrease your electricity bills, avoid increasing energy costs, boost your property value, reduce your environmental impact, and qualify for tax benefits and rebates. However, not everyone is familiar with the process of installing solar panels and the available options. For residents of Lawrence, MCCI offers our Solar Plus loan program – a flexible and affordable low-interest loan for owner-occupied homes with fixed monthly payments. If you are interested in learning more about our Solar Plus loan program, click here and check out the resources below.
Resources
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC): Solar Energy
The first electric car (EV) was introduced in America in 1890. While it gained popularity, EVs were quickly overtaken by gas-powered cars which were cheaper to mass-produce. However, there has been a renewed interest in electric cars as gas prices continue to surge and the environmental crisis worsens. Although electric vehicles have been traditionally more expensive, more automobile manufacturers are creating affordable options, and there are many tax and rebate programs available to help people access the environmental and cost benefits of owning an electric car. Check out the resources below to learn more.
Every person and household can benefit from energy-efficient solutions that can reduce their electric bills. The cost of electricity has been increasing at a rate of 2.36% per year for the past 25 years, so it is both economically and environmentally necessary to explore clean energy and energy efficiency options. At MCCI, we offer various options for residential loans that can help reduce energy costs. However, you don’t need to make significant changes to save on your energy bills. We’ve included resources below for tax rebates and programs, as well as simple tips that you can implement to reduce your energy usage. If you want to learn more about what we offer, feel free to reach out to us!
U.S. Treasury award increases available capital in mission to build generational wealth
Nectar Community Investments, a certified community development financial institution (CDFI) and community development corporation (CDC) that provides loans, investments, strategic advice and advocacy for small businesses and homeowners in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, has won an $800,000 U.S. Treasury Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) Financial Assistance Award. Nectar, formerly known as the Lowell Community Loan Fund dba Mill Cities Community Investments, will use this award to deploy loans and equity to the people and places that need it most, coupled with high-quality advisory services to ensure their success.
“The supply of capital is a challenge for CDFIs around the country, and the demand for CDFI Fund awards this year shows the great need for investing in historically underserved communities,” said Nectar Executive Director Glynn Lloyd. “We’re grateful to the CDFI Fund for this infusion of dollars to support our programs, and we look forward to deploying this capital across New England as we continue to innovate, advance environmental justice and positively impact our communities.”
Applications in fiscal year 2024 were at an all-time high, with a 42 percent increase in applications for Financial Assistance Awards compared to last year. …
Thanks to everyone who joined us for our event on October 16 at the Vault Function Hall in Lawrence! We were thrilled to celebrate our new name and brand with our friends in the Merrimack Valley. Special thanks to Chrystal Kornegay, Chief Executive Officer of MassHousing, and María Belén Power, Undersecretary of Environmental Justice & Equity for offering their insights on the mechanisms and solutions we need to make sure no one is left behind in the clean energy transition. And many thanks to our friends from the Lawrence Partnership for attending with your members. Our Nectar team left the event even more determined and energized to serve and advocate for our communities!
Join our diverse and innovative team driving environmental justice. As a Program Manager, you will oversee and complete program management and implementation of Nectar Community Investment’s environmental justice priorities. We’re focused on increasing environmental sustainability by providing energy efficiency and renewable energy advisory and financing solutions to homeowners and small businesses. This current opportunity as a program administrator is to lead a Coalition of three lead partner organizations in carrying out the Merrimack Valley Energy Efficiency Enrichment Program work. Learn more about this opportunity.
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