Volunteers of America Los Angeles was way ahead of the green curve on Skid Row, when in 2008 they embarked on a green renovation including installing 300 solar panels on the roof of their largest facility downtown.
According to GreenNonProfits.org, “As people and corporations around the world become more ‘green’ they in turn expect the nonprofits they support to also take proactive steps to protect the environment. The benefits are twofold: the global environment improves as a result of the nonprofit sector taking action; and nonprofits become part of environmental solutions and successfully respond to funder and donor demands.”
In 2008, VOALA embraced “green building” wholeheartedly with a major renovation of its Transition House, the landmark 20,000-square-foot homeless service center on Skid Row. The goal was to not only be environmentally responsible in the construction of this facility, but to also provide an enhanced continuum of services within a place of shelter, dignity and hope for homeless individuals on Skid Row.
“It is an integral part of our philosophy to believe in the inherent good nature of people and their potential to return to independence and self-sufficiency,” said VOALA CEO Bob Pratt. “The concern for our planet’s welfare is part and parcel of that philosophy. Just as a city cares for its residents by building and maintaining community facilities that enhance the overall beauty of the city, we believe that creating an environment for our homeless people demonstrates we are investing in the future.”
Commonly referred to as the “T-House”, the facility utilizes renewable energy and maximizes new energy efficient technologies to improve human and environmental health wherever possible. Green building practices and the installation of environmentally friendly materials, and electrical and plumbing systems had an immediate and measurable impact on the building’s performance. The scope of the project also included an exterior facelift, enhanced reception area for improved access and assessment; new computer and job resource lab; the expansion of living areas; a major kitchen upgrade; and additional office workspaces for case managers.
VOALA realized that going “green” now will pay off later, and that this would make all the difference in continuing to provide services for those in need for years to come. “These efforts will substantially reduce our carbon footprint, and ultimately direct our financial resources towards the goal of ending homelessness in Los Angeles,” said Patti Louie, chief financial officer. “Funding for the services we provide has always been tight, and even tighter, in these difficult economic times. With this investment, utility expenses drop immediately, and will offset rising expenses in other areas, allowing long-term viability of this vital downtown resource.”
GREEN FEATURES OF VOALA T-HOUSE
• 300 photovoltaic solar panels power the entire facility, become a source of DWP credits, and offset 24,000 tons of carbon per year
• Highly insulated, reflective roof uses 40 percent less energy for cooling the building
• High-output mechanical systems, including HVAC, lighting fixtures and compact fluorescent bulbs reduce energy consumption
• ‘Low-e’ windows and skylights control heat and add light
• Zero VOC paint and coatings are less harmful to human health, and reduce landfill, groundwater and ozone depleting contaminants
• Water-conserving toilets reduce water use by 400,000 gallons per year
• Restored hardscape and drought-tolerant landscaping reduce water consumption
The renovation also allowed VOALA to provide additional services at T-House with special attention to the needs of homeless veterans. The “before” and “after” renovation picture for this unique facility is impressive:
Pre-Renovation Capacity/Services
• 90 beds
• 500 served annually
• Emergency and transitional housing
• Permanent housing placement
• Services referrals
Post-Renovation Capacity/Services
• 150 beds
• 1800 served annually
• Emergency and transitional housing
• Permanent housing placement
• Services referrals
• Female dorm
• Job training
• Computer skills training
• Benefits advocacy and medical referrals
• Assessments and personalized life plans
• Outdoor meeting, reflection and recreation areas
• Special services for veterans
• Incarcerated veterans program
• VA and SSI benefits advocacy
• Transportation
• Medical referrals
• On-site nursing services
To donate to the T-House Campaign, click here
