CONGRATULATIONS TO SELF

from Sharon Lux

SELF Secures Another Quarter Million Dollars

 St. Lucie County, FL, June 1, 2015 –

 The Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) is pleased to announce that the non-profit community lending organization has secured $250,000 in loan capital from another faith-based organization. The latest Community Development Investment was provided by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, which is an international congregation of Catholic Women who are dedicated to the full development of the human person through education, social justice, contemplation, and the arts. The Sisters of the Holy Names have also made climate change a top priority.

 SELF provides building science expertise, project management, and favorable financing to help local residents identify and complete cost-effective home improvements. Typical projects include weatherization, high-efficiency air conditioners, windows, doors, roofs, solar water heaters, solar PV panels, and more. To date, SELF has completed 1,002 energy assessments and closed 394 loans totaling more than $3.2 million, with nearly 70% of the lending activity in low and moderate income census tracts and 40% of the loans to women. SELF clients have cut their energy use by 23% per household, improved comfort and livability, enhanced air quality and health benefits, increased home equity, and created jobs for skilled craftsmen in the process.

 SELF’s Chief Financial Strategist, Duanne Andrade, said, “We are very excited to be working with the Sisters of the Holy Names to produce more triple bottom line impacts in underserved communities.” SELF has now raised $6.5 million in grants and loan capital since its inception, including partnerships with banks, faith-based investors, impact investors, and an international crowdfunding platform via Kiva.org. SELF also raised the first $1 million in loan capital for St. Lucie County’s new Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program.

 Property owners interested in making assorted improvements to their property can reach SELF by telephone at # (772) 468-1818 or by visiting www.solarenergyloanfund.org.