LINCS Launches Solar Fundraiser for Independent Living Community | East Lansing Info
- EAST LANSING, Michigan – A Michigan-based nonprofit organization is seeking to secure the long-term sustainability of its independent living community for adults with disabilities through a fundraising campaign...
- Lansing Intentional Communities (LINCS) has launched a drive to raise $22,000 to finance the project, which founder Mary Douglass describes as a “real long term sustaining project.” The...
- Established in 2017, LINCS has grown from its initial single house to encompass three houses and an apartment, currently supporting seven residents alongside a dedicated community builder.
EAST LANSING, Michigan – A Michigan-based nonprofit organization is seeking to secure the long-term sustainability of its independent living community for adults with disabilities through a fundraising campaign to install a solar energy array.
Lansing Intentional Communities (LINCS) has launched a drive to raise $22,000 to finance the project, which founder Mary Douglass describes as a “real long term sustaining project.” The organization provides housing and resources to help adults with disabilities live independently and foster community connections.
Established in 2017, LINCS has grown from its initial single house to encompass three houses and an apartment, currently supporting seven residents alongside a dedicated community builder. Beyond affordable housing, LINCS offers assistance in securing employment opportunities and organizes social events, such as trivia nights, to encourage integration within the broader community.
The impetus for the solar project stemmed from a donation last April by The Peoples Church in East Lansing, which provided LINCS with a duplex through the support of Habitat for Humanity Capital Region. Volunteers from the church spent six months renovating the property, which now houses two residents.
During the renovation process, Marc Lyon, a member of The Peoples Church’s Earth Stewardship Committee, recognized the potential for renewable energy. “I began to believe that the duplex might be an attractive location for rooftop solar as the house has plenty of rooftop exposure facing south during most of the year,” Lyon said.
Lyon, who also represents The Peoples Church at the Michigan Interfaith Power and Light (MiIPL) capital area chapter, subsequently proposed the project to the MiIPL chapter, which agreed to spearhead the fundraising effort. MiIPL is a faith-based organization promoting renewable energy and sustainable practices.
The fundraising campaign began in January and is expected to continue through the spring. David Arnosti, leader of the MiIPL capital area chapter, emphasized the long-term benefits of the project. “The current project with LINCS will support a solar roof for a newly renovated home on Ferguson Street, keeping utility costs low for the residents of this home, and supporting the wider mission of LINCS,” he stated.
The move towards solar power reflects a growing trend among organizations seeking to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar energy can lead to long-term savings on electricity bills.
To further support the initiative, The Peoples Church will host a benefit concert, “Shine the Light on LINCS,” on at 2:00 PM in its newly renovated Snider Social Hall. The concert will feature classical music performed by The Trio, as well as presentations from individuals involved with LINCS.
Douglass encourages those interested in contributing to the solar project to donate directly through the LINCS website at linc2linc.com or to attend the upcoming benefit concert at The Peoples Church.
LINCS’s approach to independent living is rooted in the belief that adults with disabilities deserve the opportunity to live fulfilling lives within a supportive community. The organization’s residency guidelines prioritize selecting individuals who can thrive in the LINCS environment and contribute to the surrounding neighborhood.
The donation of the duplex by The Peoples Church last year, and the subsequent renovation in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, exemplifies the collaborative spirit underpinning LINCS’s work. The completed duplex provides a crucial housing option for two adults with disabilities, offering them a pathway to independent living.
The solar project represents not only a financial investment in LINCS’s future but also a commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management. By harnessing the power of the sun, LINCS aims to create a more resilient and self-sufficient community for its residents.