Nonprofits for unincorporated Norcross acquire $19.95 million EPA Community Change Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DECEMBER 12, 2024

*Repost from Lucky Shoals Community Association*

The Lucky Shoals Community Association (LSCA) – with partners Gwinnett Housing Corporation (GHC), Georgia Hispanic Construction Association (GHCA), and Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) – have acquired a $19.95 million Community Change Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

LSCA and partners will utilize the funding in unincorporated Norcross for greenspace preservation, development of a community resilience hub, and expansion of its existing programs around energy efficient buildings, indoor air quality, water, and the clean energy construction workforce. Unincorporated Norcross is both the most diverse and most under resourced part of Gwinnett County, itself the second largest county in Georgia.

LSCA and its three partners have previously worked on a variety of initiatives, particularly through its Drawdown Georgia grant, which helped to establish their programs around healthy, energy efficient buildings and construction workforce training, and to engage all nearly 22,000 households in this area on their needs around housing, energy, and jobs.

Marvin Lim, LSCA, CEO and Founder: “Together with GHC, GHCA, and SEEA, LSCA’s work has always been centered around promoting our community’s strengths to address the very energy, environmental, and economic challenges we live and work in, every day. In this county, we’ve got the highest housing and energy cost burdens, some of the most dilapidated properties and unhealthiest conditions, and an underappreciated economy. But we also have stunning cultural and linguistic richness, a robust construction workforce, and greenspace we should preserve. I’m grateful to the EPA for believing in our strengths, our potential, and the idea of community ownership over our own assets.”

Lejla Prljaca, GHC, Executive Director: “Over the past decade, the housing market has become increasingly corporatized, with Gwinnett County leading the state in the number of institutionally-owned homes. This grant will empower our community to reclaim control over its land, fostering sustainable resource management, promoting economic development, addressing housing affordability, and preserving cultural heritage. By curbing land speculation and ensuring long-term access to vital land assets, this initiative will ensure equitable opportunities and a resilient future.”

Rafael Villegas, GHCA, Director of Organizational Growth: “This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when community, industry, and government come together to drive positive change. As a partner in this effort, GHCA is proud to contribute to the growth and development of a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable community. We believe that everyone deserves access to safe, healthy, and affordable housing, and we’re committed to helping make that vision a reality.”

William D. Bryan, Ph.D., SEEA, Director of Research: “From the beginning, this project has used collaborative research and on-the-ground engagement to identify and address key needs faced by residents of unincorporated Norcross. This work affirms that place-based solutions, rooted in local assets, are crucial for addressing energy insecurity. This grant will not only be transformational for unincorporated Norcross but will also provide valuable insights into how we can scale up successful place-based models across the South, particularly in communities facing energy insecurity.”

Aimee Skrzekut, SEEA, President and CEO: “Our research has illuminated both the challenges and untapped opportunities within unincorporated Norcross. This grant enables us to amplify our data-driven approach, empowering the community to leverage its unique strengths and tackle affordability issues to enhance energy security. At SEEA, we are proud to collaborate with our partners to create transformative change in Norcross, and we are committed to expanding this replicable model to make a lasting impact in other underserved communities across the Southeast.”

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