In 2021, Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana, becoming the state’s second most destructive storm following Hurricane Katrina. In the wake of power outages across the city, New Orleans East residents were some of the last to be reconnected to the power grid. To ensure residents would have a safe and trusted place to take refuge in the event of another disaster, Mercy Partnership Fund investee, Inclusive Prosperity Capital, is helping finance New Orleans’ first community solar project.
This solar project, facilitated by the Sisters of the Holy Family, a historically Black Catholic order of nuns, will transform the Sisters’ 22-acre campus into a resiliency hub where residents can access critical services during power outages, including heating and cooling, food distribution, medical equipment support, device charging, and communication resources. Beyond strengthening disaster preparedness, approximately 325 low-to-moderate income (LMI) households will be able to subscribe to the community solar program, reducing their monthly energy costs by 20%. This project, which supports working families and individuals, is particularly helpful for those with limited or fixed incomes facing rising utility expenses.
The Sisters of the Holy Family, who have long served the community through outreach and daily meal programs, are extending their mission through this innovative clean energy project. In partnership with Inclusive Prosperity Capital, Pelican Community Capital (formerly Louisiana Clean Energy Fund), and United Church of Christ Cornerstone Fund, the Sisters’ efforts will provide lasting environmental, economic, and social benefits while helping build a more resilient future for New Orleans communities.
Inclusive Prosperity Capital is one of more than 70 organizations around the world that has received a Mercy Partnership Fund loan to support its work. Read more about the work of Mercy Partnership Fund.