Free Green Home Visits Help Families Save Energy

Since 1995, the Rising Sun Center for Opportunity has shown us how green jobs can build stronger communities. This California nonprofit has trained over 3,000 young people for careers in energy efficiency. At the same time, they help our neighbors save money on their utility bills.

The center offers free "green house calls" to families across California. Young workers visit homes and ask simple questions about energy use. Then they install helpful items like LED light bulbs, power strips, weather stripping, and water-saving devices. All services are completely free for families.

This program focuses on training young women, people of color, and formerly incarcerated individuals for renewable energy careers. Sofia Canela Torres, the senior program manager, explains that these no-cost services give youth real work experience and career exposure. Families get lower utility bills while young people gain valuable job skills.

In June 2025, the center expanded to 13 counties across the San Joaquin Valley, Monterey Bay Area, and Eastern Sierra. President and CEO Julia Hatton notes that rural communities have often been overlooked for programs that reduce utility costs. This expansion brings energy efficiency services to many more families who need them most.

Our community can learn from this model that combines job training with direct help for families. Programs like this show how environmental benefits and economic opportunity can work together.