New solar-powered REACH Center will invest savings in services

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The REACH Center has a new solar system to offset high electricity bills, enabling nonprofit partners to reinvest savings into key services for people experiencing housing, healthcare, and financial insecurity.

The rooftop system includes 218 panels that are estimated to produce 146,598 kW of electricity in the first year. This will save more than $18,000 annually. 

“Reducing costs to operate is always top of mind for nonprofit organizations,” says Hetti Brown, Executive Director of Couleecap. “This is especially important now, when demand for our services is growing, yet our costs keep going up and funding sources continue to be reduced. That means we must find creative ways to save.”

The REACH Center is a place where local nonprofits and public agencies gather to collaboratively serve low-income households on a walk-in basis. Neighbors can access housing navigation, a Tenant and Landlord Resource Office, homeless prevention services, mental health support, healthcare services, violence prevention and support, and more. Since opening in late 2021, the REACH Center has served more than 7,000 households. Approximately 30 organizations have used the REACH Center to provide services to the public. Couleecap, Scenic Bluffs Community Health Center, and YWCA La Crosse operate the building.

The solar system was made possible by grants and donations, including a $25,000 Solar Moonshot grant from the  Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation and a solar panel donation worth $25,000 from Solar for Good through Renew Wisconsin. Focus on Energy and two anonymous donors were also important contributors to the project.

“We are thrilled to be able to support the REACH Center’s solar project with a Solar Moonshot Program grant! The solar system will allow the center to invest more funding back into their mission and serving the local community.” – Karinna Gonzalez, Deputy Director, Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation.  

“Solar for Good exists to help mission-driven organizations lower long-term operating costs so more resources can stay focused on people and services, not utility bills. The REACH Center project demonstrates how solar can strengthen nonprofit financial resilience. Projects like this one should serve as a model for other community organizations across Wisconsin,” says the Solar for Good team.

Ethos Green Power Cooperative out of Viroqua installed the solar system. Ethos is a worker-owned cooperative with more than a decade of experience. Tomas Herrera from Ethos says, “We’re proud to partner with Couleecap on a project that aligns so clearly with our values and mission. This solar project supports not only a shift toward clean energy but strengthening the safety net for our community. When nonprofits can lower their operating costs, they can focus more resources on the people they serve, and that’s the kind of impact we’re here to help make possible.”

Savings from the solar system will be reinvested in REACH Center services to help ensure sustainability of the program. Funds will support staff positions that are key to maintaining services and will fund other building costs.

To view a time lapse video of the solar system installation, visit https://youtu.be/jAYNij7SD40

To learn more about the REACH Center visit https://reachcenterlacrosse.org/. The REACH Center is open on a walk-in basis Monday and Wednesday from 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Friday is by appointment only. All are welcome at the REACH Center.