Be A Helping Hand Foundation
Programs
Budget
$354,744.00
Description
Our free Solar Equity Program will train and employ a diverse workforce in the renewable energy sector. It will promote energy justice and equitable futures for all by powering affordable homes with solar energy while creating jobs and economic development in underserved communities most affected by climate change.
We will train participants to build and install solar arrays plus battery storage on affordable homes. Participants will learn the technical skill sets, and receive the tools required for entry-level positions within the renewable energy industry. The training course will include classroom instruction followed by on-the-job training installing solar systems for affordable housing. Participants will have the opportunity to earn NABCEP and OSHA credentials following their training. Job placement/retention assistance and soft skills training will be provided.
Beneficiaries
Economically disadvantaged people
Unemployed, Underemployed, Dislocated
Minorities
Long-term Success
The goal of the Solar Equity Program is to start specific and local, but to continue to develop into a multi-faceted, far-reaching network through partnerships with other similar organizations. During the first phase of the roll-out of the Solar Equity Program, the goal will be for our participant-trainees to add solar arrays plus battery storage to new affordable homes built by Be a Helping Hand. During the final phase, participants-trainees from the Solar Equity Program will be subcontracted to install solar arrays on affordable houses built by BHH and our partner organizations. We will lead the way towards equitable clean energy, economic empowerment, and affordable housing for the environmental justice communities in Nashville who stand to benefit the most.
Short-term Success
Our pilot program will start with a class of 10-20 low-income, minority, Section 3 participants who will receive on-the-job training installing solar + battery systems for 4 large, single-family, affordable homes serving low-income, minority families with underlying health vulnerabilities, energy burdens, and live in climate justice communities.
Program Success Monitored By
Number of students enrolled
Number of graduates
Number of job placements
Number of solar systems installed
Amount of reduced energy burden and efficiency
Amount of program funding
Program Areas Served
Nashville and surrounding Metro areas
$354,744.00
Description
Our free Solar Equity Program will train and employ a diverse workforce in the renewable energy sector. It will promote energy justice and equitable futures for all by powering affordable homes with solar energy while creating jobs and economic development in underserved communities most affected by climate change.
We will train participants to build and install solar arrays plus battery storage on affordable homes. Participants will learn the technical skill sets, and receive the tools required for entry-level positions within the renewable energy industry. The training course will include classroom instruction followed by on-the-job training installing solar systems for affordable housing. Participants will have the opportunity to earn NABCEP and OSHA credentials following their training. Job placement/retention assistance and soft skills training will be provided.
Beneficiaries
Economically disadvantaged people
Unemployed, Underemployed, Dislocated
Minorities
Long-term Success
The goal of the Solar Equity Program is to start specific and local, but to continue to develop into a multi-faceted, far-reaching network through partnerships with other similar organizations. During the first phase of the roll-out of the Solar Equity Program, the goal will be for our participant-trainees to add solar arrays plus battery storage to new affordable homes built by Be a Helping Hand. During the final phase, participants-trainees from the Solar Equity Program will be subcontracted to install solar arrays on affordable houses built by BHH and our partner organizations. We will lead the way towards equitable clean energy, economic empowerment, and affordable housing for the environmental justice communities in Nashville who stand to benefit the most.
Short-term Success
Our pilot program will start with a class of 10-20 low-income, minority, Section 3 participants who will receive on-the-job training installing solar + battery systems for 4 large, single-family, affordable homes serving low-income, minority families with underlying health vulnerabilities, energy burdens, and live in climate justice communities.
Program Success Monitored By
Number of students enrolled
Number of graduates
Number of job placements
Number of solar systems installed
Amount of reduced energy burden and efficiency
Amount of program funding
Program Areas Served
Nashville and surrounding Metro areas
Description
Our Gaining Prosperity Program provides economic empowerment services to low-income women heads-of-household to support them in becoming self-sufficient, maintaining employment, gaining financial stability, and achieving homeownership.
We provide childcare resources, education, mentoring programs for children, and case management services to eligible women. These services include trauma-informed individual counseling and support groups, financial empowerment counseling, and holistic wellness support.
We inform and educate residents on legislative self-advocacy issues related to affordable housing, a living wage, healthcare, and stopping violence against women and children and strongly encourage them to be active partners with our program in advocating for themselves. We encourage participants in our programs to be actively engaged in their financial independence and to make consistent measurable progress toward initial short and long-term life goals.
Category
Human Services - Victims' Services
Beneficiaries
Families
Women and girls
Victims
Program Areas Served
North Nashville and surrounding metro areas
Our Gaining Prosperity Program provides economic empowerment services to low-income women heads-of-household to support them in becoming self-sufficient, maintaining employment, gaining financial stability, and achieving homeownership.
We provide childcare resources, education, mentoring programs for children, and case management services to eligible women. These services include trauma-informed individual counseling and support groups, financial empowerment counseling, and holistic wellness support.
We inform and educate residents on legislative self-advocacy issues related to affordable housing, a living wage, healthcare, and stopping violence against women and children and strongly encourage them to be active partners with our program in advocating for themselves. We encourage participants in our programs to be actively engaged in their financial independence and to make consistent measurable progress toward initial short and long-term life goals.
Category
Human Services - Victims' Services
Beneficiaries
Families
Women and girls
Victims
Program Areas Served
North Nashville and surrounding metro areas
Description
Sustaining the natural world helps our communities ensure that their social, economic, and environmental systems are well-integrated and will endure.
Green space and access to nature are vital to our health and well-being. Social and environmental inequality has contributed to the poor health and economic outcomes of people living in low-income neighborhoods and in minority communities. These communities are disproportionately exposed to air pollution and lack trees and green spaces, which has influenced urban heat patterns, making the areas several degrees hotter in summer than wealthier tree covered areas of Nashville.
Promoting racial equity and fighting climate change are inherently entwined. We are addressing this environmental injustice by working to improve the health and well being of our residents through access to nature. These nature programs include:
1. Tree Planting
2. Native Garden Landscaping
3. Rain Gardens
4. Pollinator Gardens
5. Nature Programs for Kids
Program Successes
Planted native trees on all of our North Nashville affordable housing properties through a continuing partnership with Root Nashville, Nashville Tree Foundation, and the Metro Health Department.
Saved numerous trees on our properties and planted native gardens for our tenants.
With the help of the Cumberland River Compact. we planted rain gardens for our tenants using native plants.
Installed energy-efficient appliances, HVAC, and fixtures to all of our affordable homes.
Have partnerships lined up with other green organizations to implement new programs as soon it is safe to do so after the COVID-19 pandemic. t
Partnered with Plenty International and Kids To The Country to provide nature programs for kids and green programs.
In the process of planning a pollinator garden partnership for our tenants.
Category
Environment - Environment, General/Other
Beneficiaries
Economically disadvantaged people
At-Risk Populations
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Program Areas Served
North Nashville and surrounding metro areas
Sustaining the natural world helps our communities ensure that their social, economic, and environmental systems are well-integrated and will endure.
Green space and access to nature are vital to our health and well-being. Social and environmental inequality has contributed to the poor health and economic outcomes of people living in low-income neighborhoods and in minority communities. These communities are disproportionately exposed to air pollution and lack trees and green spaces, which has influenced urban heat patterns, making the areas several degrees hotter in summer than wealthier tree covered areas of Nashville.
Promoting racial equity and fighting climate change are inherently entwined. We are addressing this environmental injustice by working to improve the health and well being of our residents through access to nature. These nature programs include:
1. Tree Planting
2. Native Garden Landscaping
3. Rain Gardens
4. Pollinator Gardens
5. Nature Programs for Kids
Program Successes
Planted native trees on all of our North Nashville affordable housing properties through a continuing partnership with Root Nashville, Nashville Tree Foundation, and the Metro Health Department.
Saved numerous trees on our properties and planted native gardens for our tenants.
With the help of the Cumberland River Compact. we planted rain gardens for our tenants using native plants.
Installed energy-efficient appliances, HVAC, and fixtures to all of our affordable homes.
Have partnerships lined up with other green organizations to implement new programs as soon it is safe to do so after the COVID-19 pandemic. t
Partnered with Plenty International and Kids To The Country to provide nature programs for kids and green programs.
In the process of planning a pollinator garden partnership for our tenants.
Category
Environment - Environment, General/Other
Beneficiaries
Economically disadvantaged people
At-Risk Populations
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Program Areas Served
North Nashville and surrounding metro areas
Budget
$503,803.00
Description
We are working to ensure that the housing needs of our community members are met and opportunity is available to all, with a focus on supporting women. North Nashville has a rich cultural history that has been systematically attacked by racist local planning policies and gentrification spanning the past fifty years. We want to protect and strengthen the culture and spirit of North Nashville by making sure that our neighbors are not displaced in the name of "progress" or "growth." We know that in order to strengthen the community, women must be supported.
We provide individuals and families with access to affordable housing that is sustainable, well-built, safe, comfortable, and clean. Our program empowers North Nashvillians at risk of displacement by gentrification to afford to stay and live in their own community, in a home that provides the foundation to build generational wealth, ensuring opportunity for all of our neighbors.
Beneficiaries
Women and girls
Economically disadvantaged people
People/Families with of People with Disabilities
Program Areas Served
North Nashville and surrounding metro areas
$503,803.00
Description
We are working to ensure that the housing needs of our community members are met and opportunity is available to all, with a focus on supporting women. North Nashville has a rich cultural history that has been systematically attacked by racist local planning policies and gentrification spanning the past fifty years. We want to protect and strengthen the culture and spirit of North Nashville by making sure that our neighbors are not displaced in the name of "progress" or "growth." We know that in order to strengthen the community, women must be supported.
We provide individuals and families with access to affordable housing that is sustainable, well-built, safe, comfortable, and clean. Our program empowers North Nashvillians at risk of displacement by gentrification to afford to stay and live in their own community, in a home that provides the foundation to build generational wealth, ensuring opportunity for all of our neighbors.
Beneficiaries
Women and girls
Economically disadvantaged people
People/Families with of People with Disabilities
Program Areas Served
North Nashville and surrounding metro areas
