Rep. Olver Announces $540,000 Funding for Holyoke's Nuestras Raices

October 15, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John W. Olver (D-1st District) announced that Nuestras Raíces, Inc. in Holyoke will receive $540,000 in grant funds over the next 3 years from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services.

In partnership with Co-op Power and Nueva Esperanza Community Development Corporation, Nuestras Raíces is launching Energía, a new energy efficiency services company. Energía will offer residential and commercial customers high-quality energy efficiency services including air sealing and insulation, energy efficient windows, and solar hot water systems thereby promoting environmental benefits and significant savings in energy costs. Specializing in customized retrofits for multi-family housing and small commercial buildings, Energía will create 27 living-wage jobs for community members.

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Congressman John Olver said, “For over 15 years, Nuestras Raíces has been a leader in the continuous effort to create sustainable economic opportunities for Holyoke residents. Project partners Nueva Esperanza and Co-op Power have had great accomplishments in green business creation and community development in Holyoke and the region. These funds will enable them to do even more great work.”

Daniel Ross, Executive Director of Nuestras Raíces, said, “We are proud to invest these funds in the new green economic future of Holyoke and the young people of our city striving to work.”

Nuestras Raíces is a grassroots organization that promotes economic, human, and community development in Holyoke. It draws its membership and its leadership from the families and residents that participate in its community gardens and sustainable farms, and its community programs focusing on green jobs, environmental education, local entrepreneurship, asset-building, and leadership development,. Co-op Power is a consumer-owned energy cooperative serving New England and New York. Nueva Esperanza, Inc. is a community based organization in Holyoke active in promoting development in housing, economics and human services.

Source: Congressman John W. Olver