Information provided by the Hammond NAACP
HAMMOND, Ind. (October 7, 2020)–The NAACP Hammond Branch, a unit of the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, will announce an investment in energy efficiency at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 21, 2020, 10:00 a.m., at Ophelia Steen Family and Health Services Center, 5927 Columbia Avenue. Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott will join the NAACP for the announcement.
The project, made possible through the NAACP’s Power Up Solar and Jobs Program, will drastically reduce carbon dioxide displacement at a family and health services center that provides vital care to Hammond residents. Energy Harness will replace all the traditional lighting in the facility with LED bulbs, reducing the total carbon dioxide displacement from roughly 258,000 pounds per year to 69,000 pounds per year.
“This partnership is a great example of how we can work together to reduce our carbon footprint and reduce costs for a facility that provides critical services in our community,” said Reverend Homer Cobb. “It’s unfortunate that Indiana rolled back its requirements for businesses and homes to embrace energy efficiency; we need to make sure our policymakers understand the value of these partnerships and programs.”
The Hammond project is part of the NAACP’s statewide “black to green” initiative, which offers solar installation and energy efficiency training in marginalized communities and recognizes the disproportionate burden fossil fuels have placed on black communities.
Social distancing and masks will be required at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
If you have questions, please contact Rev. Homer Cobb, branch president, at 219-670-0883 or [email protected].
