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Doing More with Less: Housing Updates

YWCA St. Paul’s Transitional Housing Program (THP) units are running more efficiently thanks to a partnership with EnerChange, which is funded through the Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) with contributions from Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy.

The program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce/Division of Energy Resources and provides free energy consultations and professional expertise for nonprofits. This enables nonprofits to conserve energy, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and decrease the need for new utility infrastructure.

EnerChange assessed the units’ lighting and HVAC system, with particular attention to the boilers.The total interior and exterior project is expected to result in a yearly savings of $15,533 in energy costs, and a yearly decrease of 295,722 pounds of carbon dioxide.

According to the EPA Emissions Calculator, that’s equivalent to removing 28.7 cars from the road, or saving 15,094 gallons of gasoline. In addition, the LED lights appear to be 20 percent brighter and have a life expectancy of more than 10 years, cutting maintenance cost and effort compared to incandescent lights.

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Sarah O’Brien

As Director of Advancement at YWCA Saint Paul, Sarah O’Brien provides strategic development and fundraising leadership and leads the organization’s development and communications team. Sarah

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Ivette Izea-Martinez

Mrs. Izea-Martinez provides overall leadership and direction to YWCA St. Paul’s Youth Development, Housing & Supportive Services, and Employment & Economic Development programs. She is

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Jessica Fowler

As Assistant Director of Maintenance and Facilities at the YWCA, Jessica Fowler provides overall facilities and compliance management for YWCA St. Paul Supportive Housing Properties, Administration Building, and Health & Fitness Center.

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Shanene Herbert

Shanene Herbert is a long-standing resident of North Minneapolis whose lived experience and life work has put her in a unique position to lead conversations about the impact of systemic racism on Black and brown youth.

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