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D3. Does your <br />project help to <br />address any racial <br />disparities in the <br />location it is <br />proposed for? (200 <br />word limit) <br />This project directly addresses racial disparities by reducing the energy <br />burden for the historically Black congregation in Chapel Hill’s Northside <br />Neighborhood. Northside has faced systemic disinvestment, gentrification, <br />and displacement as student housing and development pressures rise. <br />Black residents have been pushed out by rising property values and <br />increasing utility costs. St. Joseph’s CME Church, a cultural hub for the <br />remaining community, is financially supported by its members. High energy <br />bills place a disproportionate strain on these low-to moderate-income Black <br />families. Installing solar will reduce the church’s energy costs by over <br />$1,250 annually, freeing up resources for community programs and easing <br />pressure on congregants. Additionally, this project increases access to <br />clean energy in a community where environmental and economic benefits <br />are often least accessible. It also serves as a visible symbol of <br />environmental justice and a model for future solar equity efforts in <br />communities of color. <br />D4. Please list any <br />data sources used in <br />reference to D1, D2, <br />and D3 and show the <br />steps of any <br />calculations. (300 <br />word limit) <br />The demographic data came from the census taken by the US Census <br />Bureau, as well as a local “Northside Census” organized by the Marion <br />Cheek Jackson Center. This local census was created to measure <br />neighborhood demographics, student versus non-student households, <br />racial and ethnic diversity, and longtime residents’ experiences with <br />student neighbors. <br />D4a. Optional file <br />upload to show the <br />steps of any <br />calculations. <br />D5. Please describe <br />any ways in which <br />low-income or <br />marginalized <br />communities/households <br />were engaged in the <br />creation of this <br />project proposal. <br />(150 word limit) <br />SolarEquity engaged directly with St. Joseph’s CME Church, the Jackson <br />Center, and Northside community members during the planning of this <br />project. This proposal began with conversations with the Jackson Center, a <br />local housing justice organization with close ties to the Church, to identify <br />how solar could most benefit the community. From there, SolarEquity <br />hosted a town hall at the church where all the congregants were invited to <br />ask questions, express concerns, and provide input. Based on this <br />feedback, SolarEquity adjusted key design elements, including system <br />specifications and roof repairs. Final decisions were made in close <br />collaboration with church leadership to ensure community priorities were <br />upheld at every step. This inclusive planning process ensured that the <br />project was designed not just for, but alongside the people it intends to <br />serve. <br />Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873