St. Johns Housing Partnership Plans to Reduce Energy Costs for Homeless Veterans at Patriot Place through Solar Energy

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla.  – The St. Johns Housing Partnership (SJHP), Everybody Solar, partners, supporters and sponsors gathered for the Patriot Place Solar Top Off in June.

SJHP plans to harness solar energy to help power its central office and three of six apartment units for homeless and at-risk Veterans at Patriot Place in St. Augustine. By harnessing the power of the sun, SJHP not only reduces operational costs but also sets an inspiring example for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

“We hope to showcase this solar system as a way to generate more interest and support for solar initiatives in our area,” SJHP Executive Director Bill Lazar said. “As a green-certified organization, we are proud to expand access to solar energy in our community.”

Donors and partners for the solar project include AltWays Solar, JinkoSolar, Synergy Solar, anonymous donors, and Kathryn Cryts, David Ellis, Joshua Hedlund, Connor Howell, and Carolyn McInness.

With the cost of living rising in the area, solar energy can reduce energy costs by providing onsite power at a lower cost than traditional electricity.

“Low-income populations often struggle to pay bills, making solar energy a valuable solution to reduce costs and increase access to renewable energy.” said Everybody Solar Executive Director Myriam Scally. “However, limited resources, knowledge, and infrastructure often hinder the adoption of solar energy in these communities, creating an unjust energy transition. We are excited to partner with the St. Johns Housing Partnership to help both their operations and support veterans at Patriot Place.”

Everybody Solar works to protect the environment and strengthen U.S. communities by providing solar power to local charities, helping local charities reduce electricity costs and direct their limited resources to the communities they serve.

Patriot Place will be certified “Florida Green” by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC). Founded in 2000, FGBC is the state’s leading certifier of green projects and one of the Solar Top Off event sponsors.

For more information contact the St. Johns Housing Partnership at [email protected] or call (904) 824-0902.