Program areas at Sustainable Resources Center
Weatherization: src executes the u.s. department of energy's weatherization assistance program administered through the Minnesota department of commerce. The program reduces energy costs for low-income individuals by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring the health and safety of occupants. Src serves the residents of hennepin county and is the state's largest provider. Src conducts energy audits, prepares work specifications, oversees contractors and inspects completed jobs. Work includes adding wall and attic insulation, sealing air leaks, replacing inefficient furnaces and addresses health & safety concerns such as inadequate ventilation, excessive moisture, combustion safety and smoke & co detectors. Src holds contracts with energy utility companies to conduct similar work for the utilities' low-income customers.
Lead poisoning education & outreach:src is a leading advocate for lead hazard awareness and the impact on children's brain development and nervous systems due to lead poisoning. Src conducts community outreach, household education, tests children for lead in their blood, and conducts classroom training. In 2022, src conducted 49 outreach events, tested 357 children for lead poisoning, reaching 1,993 community members throughout the state of Minnesota. The education and outreach team visited 397 homes to educate occupants on lead, asthma, and other healthy homes issues and take lead dust samples. Src also taught 18 lead and healthy homes classes to 127 homeowners, tenants, landlords and community health workers in english and spanish. Src's lead testing van drives around the state to provide lead testing and educational services.
Lead hazard control, healthy homes, and aging in place:src has provided over 20 years of lead hazard control and healthy homes services as a sub-grantee/contractor on hud grants for hennepin county and for the Minnesota department of health. Src provides paint inspections/risk assessments and remediates those hazards primarily by replacing lead-painted windows. Each year src replaces over 500 windows. Src also addresses a variety of other healthy homes issues for the low income segment including radon mitigation and mold remediation. In addition, src makes home renovations to help low-income seniors so they can safely age in place. Home modifications include installing grab bars and handrails, repairing stairs, improving lighting, etc.
Community gardens