SELF HAS RECORD BREAKING MONTH

from Sharon Lux

Congratulations to SELF!  

The non-profit Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) set another record in June by closing more home improvement loans than in any preceding month over the last 4.5 years. In the past 30 days, SELF assisted 33 families with a quarter million dollars of low interest rate financing. The loan capital was raised from multiple non-governmental sources, including banks, faith-based organizations, impact investors, and worldwide crowdfunding (i.e., KIVA.org). The favorable financing was used last month for various home improvement projects, including 19 high efficiency air conditioners, 14 roofs, and miscellaneous items, such as solar water heaters, solar PV systems, windows, doors, LED lighting, weatherization and more. SELF’s results in June broke the previous record set in April 2015 and are comparable to the total amount of loans closed in the first 6 months of operations.

 SELF provides their beneficiaries with building science expertise, low-interest rate financing, and project management to help homeowners identify and finance cost-effective home improvements. More specifically, SELF finances energy efficiency, assorted solar technologies, wind resistant products (e.g., roofs and impact windows), and water conservation measures.

  

To date, SELF has helped more than 400 families complete $3.5 million of home improvement projects, with 70% of the lending activity occurring in low and moderate income census tracts. SELF has also developed special programs to help female heads of household and U.S. Military personnel, Veterans, and their families. One of SELF’s recent beneficiaries, Ruth Martinez, said, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help, your enlightenment and your outstanding customer service.”

 SELF’s Executive Director, Doug Coward, said, “The SELF team is excited to see the rapid growth of the organization and the increased demand for our service.” He added, “We have grown from an initial pilot program started by the St. Lucie Board of County Commissioners in 2010 to now operating as an independent non-profit in 30 jurisdictions with 114 approved contractors”. SELF is headquartered in St. Lucie County and recently expanded into the Orlando urban area in partnership with the Orlando City Commission and Orlando Utility Commission.

 For more information about SELF, please feel free to contact the organization by telephone at # (772) 468-1818 or visit www.solarenergyloanfund.org.