New Orleans leaders building community lighthouses, supporting local high-wage jobs

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans East is now one of many in New Orleans to get solar-powered microgrids. This will give residents a safe haven during natural disasters and blackouts.

Congregational Leader of the Sisters of the Holy Family, Alicia Costa, says the sisters are praying to be spared this hurricane season but say they’re blessed to be better equipped thanks to this project.

“If we are affected, we hope to be prepared for when and if it happens to care for our elderly sisters and feed those that come to our kitchen door,” said Costa.

Solar-powered lighthouses can provide electricity virtually. The New Orleans City Council invested $2 million of the $11 million into the project. Councilmembers say the investment in community resiliency is critical.

“At the end of the day, we know there will be emergencies and there will be times during these emergencies when power will be lost and we need to make sure we can take care of people in every single neighborhood of this city,” said New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno.

“People don’t have to be shipped off from their community, in terms of being able to secure their property, watch their property and restore their property,” said New Orleans City Councilman Oliver Thomas.

Additionally, the project will train workers for high-wage jobs in renewable energy.

“Career-wise and personally, Louisiana Green Corps has always been there for me pushing me to the top. Basically, the bridge for younger people to show employers their work ethic before they are judged just by a background check,” said Tryavon Stockman.

Ultimately, the goal is to continue expanding community lighthouses, to generate power and to assist communities when the power goes out.

“Our big vision is that a person within half a mile of their home can get to a lighthouse,” said Pastor Shawn Anglim.

The project consists of about 15 workers and will reportedly take about 30 days to be completed.

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