DALLAS, TX — Today, Dallas Hope Charities (DHC) and Green Mountain Energy Sun Club came together to officially “Flip the Switch” on a series of sustainability enhancements that will help the Dallas Hope Center transition toward net-zero energy use. The community event marked the completion of a $121,000 Sun Club grant that supported the installation of a 17-kilowatt (kW) solar array, 10 kW battery storage system, and an electric vehicle.

The Dallas Hope Center—Dallas County’s only LGBTQIA+-focused transitional living center—now benefits from significant energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint, helping the organization reinvest resources back into its mission: providing food, shelter, and services that instill dignity, stability, and hope for LGBTQIA+ young adults experiencing homelessness.

“This investment in solar and sustainable transportation is an investment in the future of our youth and our city,” said Tamika Perry, Chief Executive Director of Dallas Hope Charities. “We are deeply grateful to Green Mountain Energy Sun Club for helping us power a safer, cleaner, and more affirming place for our residents to heal and grow.”

Following a ceremonial “Flip the Switch,” volunteers from both organizations participated in a community clean-up surrounding the Hope Center and were invited to tour the upgraded facility.

“At Green Mountain Energy, we know each nonprofit that we support with a sustainability grant brings us closer to a cleaner future,” said Andrea Ortega-Toledano, senior director of sustainability, Green Mountain Energy. “We’re proud to bring renewable energy solutions to Dallas Hope Charities so they can continue providing hope to LGBTQIA+ youth in North Texas.”

Since its founding in 2016, Dallas Hope Charities has served as a vital support system for LGBTQIA+ individuals ages 18–24, many of whom face homelessness due to family rejection, abuse, or aging out of foster care. The Hope Center welcomes up to eight residents at a time, offering shelter and life skills training to help them transition to independent living.

The sustainability enhancements are expected to save the organization more than $12,000 annually, freeing up resources for programs and support services.

To learn more about Dallas Hope Charities, visit www.dallashopecharities.org. For more on Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, visit www.greenmountainenergy.com/sunclub.

Media Contacts:
Ciera Oates
Marketing & Operations Manager
Dallas Hope Charities
coates@dallashopecharities.org | 469-494-7884

Jeanie Davey
Media Relations
Green Mountain Energy
media@greenmountain.com | 832-588-3634