DETROIT (WXYZ) — The Environmental Protection Agency is providing $20 million to churches across Detroit to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental projects ranging from reducing pollution to preparing for extreme weather emergencies.
Over 15 houses of worship emphasized that these efforts are part of their ministry – helping their brothers and sisters and being good stewards of the planet.
“We have a lot of power outages in our area. If there is a power outage, the community can come and plug in their computers and their medical equipment without losing their food.” said Calvin Glass, senior pastor of Lord of Lords Ministries.
This $20 million Community Change grant was allocated to these food pantries and soup kitchens, all operated by the faith centers. They will be transformed into centers capable of providing essentials during extreme weather events, power outages and emergencies.
The goal? Long-term reduction of the community's environmental and energy impact while meeting its immediate needs.
“We are the first black church in Detroit to go solar. We have 26 modules. We have eight solar lights in our parking lot. We are ready to get the backup battery for it. And now we're doing what we were.” “It'll have to do with our roof,” Calvin said.