In Brooklyn’s historic neighborhoods, where century-old brownstones tell stories of generations past, IMPACCT Brooklyn and our partners are writing a new chapter in community development through the innovative EnergyFit program. Recently featured in THE CITY, this groundbreaking initiative demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that environmental sustainability is accessible to all Brooklyn residents.
EnergyFit, a collaborative effort between IMPACCT Brooklyn, the Pratt Center for Community Development, and Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, is tackling one of our community’s most pressing challenges: helping homeowners transition to energy-efficient solutions while preserving affordable housing in our neighborhoods.
“A lot of people in the program, they’ve been retired or close to retirement age, and so they’re not able to do some of this work on their own,” explains Paul Sobers, project manager at IMPACCT Brooklyn. “It definitely helps them to stay in the neighborhood they’ve been in for decades.”
The program’s impact is already visible in homes across Brooklyn. Take Marisol Genao’s story, featured in THE CITY’s coverage. Her century-old Cypress Hills rowhouse received comprehensive upgrades including a new electric panel, heat pump water heater, and an induction stove – all at no cost to her. These improvements aren’t just about energy efficiency; they’re about quality of life, comfort, and financial stability.
What makes EnergyFit unique is its holistic approach. The program has successfully completed work on 12 homes this year, with an average investment of $27,000 per property. But beyond the numbers, it’s the personalized attention that sets this initiative apart. Each home receives a custom assessment, addressing everything from basic repairs to energy efficiency upgrades, ensuring that no homeowner is left behind in the city’s transition to sustainable energy.
The program specifically targets two- and three-family homes, aiming to retrofit 70 properties over two years. This focus is crucial, as these smaller buildings often fall through the cracks of larger city initiatives yet make up a significant portion of Brooklyn’s housing stock.
For residents like Constance Dawson in Bedford-Stuyvesant, the benefits are tangible. Her brownstone is now less drafty and quieter, leading to immediate quality-of-life improvements and energy cost savings. These success stories embody IMPACCT Brooklyn’s mission of creating sustainable, equitable communities where hope lives and thrives.
EnergyFit represents more than just home improvements – it’s a testament to what’s possible when community organizations come together to ensure that environmental sustainability is accessible to all Brooklyn residents, regardless of income level. As we continue this important work, we’re not just upgrading homes; we’re investing in Brooklyn’s future, one family at a time.
For more information about the EnergyFit program or to learn about eligibility, connect with IMPACCT Brooklyn.
