HARC helps communities develop and implement policies and programs that support ecological, societal, and economic health and vitality that meet the needs of the present generation without compromising those of the future.
Community resilience and sustainability involves addressing the economic, social, and environmental issues communities face and equipping them to better manage the impacts of sudden shocks (an extreme weather event) and long-term stresses (unemployment). This effort requires improved access to key resources and strategic economic, social, and environmental investments that improve the quality of life for all.
THRIVE is a multi-stakeholder community initiative in Port Arthur, Texas aimed at improving air and water quality, energy, flood resilience, housing, jobs and health. Programs in this initiative include disaster planning; supporting increased access to solar and battery storage in low-income neighborhoods, particularly on emergency shelters; clean energy job training; and planning, development, and evaluation of a green infrastructure pilot incorporating a rain garden and permeable pavement to reduce low-level flooding. All programs have been developed with input and feedback from Port Arthur residents and community leaders.
As part of THRIVE, HARC and the Community In-Power Development Association developed EQUIP PA, a community-led, data driven resilience plan to equip the people of Port Arthur with a plan to prepare for and respond to extreme events.
Supported by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under award number 2000013193, EQUIP PA incorporates data analysis, community input and feedback, and recommendations from resilience practitioners to visualize and prepare for Port Arthur’s future risks. By prioritizing stakeholder opinions, long-term preparedness, robust communication, and sustainability integration, EQUIP PA endeavors to become an all-encompassing guide for disaster recovery and community resilience in Port Arthur, and a guide for other Gulf Coast communities.
Read more - EQUIP PAHARC’s commitment to communities is integral to our work. Our programs and initiatives focus on providing science-based solutions for all communities, particularly those that have been denied a full opportunity to participate in economic or social benefits, who have limited or no access to resources, or who live in close proximity to pollution sources.
Specific programs and initiatives include:
Solar for All – HARC is a member of The Texas Solar for All Coalition, a coalition of municipalities and nonprofits in Texas that was awarded a historic grant of $249.7 million by the U.S. EPA to provide low-income communities with access to solar energy. The project aims to lower energy costs for over 28,000 low-income households across Texas.
Powered for Good – Funded by the DOE’s Solar Energy Technology Office, Powered for Good delivered clean, affordable, 100% renewable electricity options for low-income households in Texas’ competitive electricity regions. Powered for Good delivered 250 micro solar + storage units to organizations in the Houston area to help keep residents safe during extreme events.
ForUsTree – This USDA Forest Service funded project allows HARC and our partners to plant trees, foster community resilience, implement reforestation projects and education activities, and improve access to employment in the most vulnerable and underserved communities in Houston and Harris County.
A Case for Cool Trees – Funded by the Mitsubishi Corporation, this report provides guidance on how to plan and conduct urban tree plantings fairly to reduce climate and health risks and makes the case for increasing tree canopy and improving tree coverage in cities, especially for urban heat mitigation. The report highlights the importance of community-driven approaches to align planning, design, and implementation with the goals and vision of community members.
Weatherization is the process of enhancing the comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainability of homes and buildings. As energy conservation becomes more critical in the fight against climate change, weatherization offers an effective solution that benefits both homeowners and the environment.
This section walks you through everything you need to know – how to apply for programs, how to prepare your home to maximize energy savings, resilience, and more.
