Groundswell and Partners Launch Innovative Community Resilience Hub in West Atlanta

On April 30, 2024, a collaborative initiative led by Groundswell, alongside partners including Community Church Atlanta and Stryten Energy, marked the commencement of construction for a pioneering community resilience hub in West Atlanta. This hub, based at the Vicars Community Center within the Community Church Atlanta premises, features a 34.1 kW DC solar installation paired with a 320 kWh battery system.

The resilience hub is designed to provide a safe gathering place for the local community during emergencies or severe weather conditions. Its facilities will support the Community Church Atlanta’s regular services, which include delivering meals to 300-400 families weekly and hosting meetings for local organizations. The initiative, supported by multiple partners such as the City of Atlanta, Wells Fargo Foundation, and GM, aims to address the escalating impacts of climate change by fostering community resilience and preparedness.

In an innovative financial move, the project has benefitted from the Inflation Reduction Act’s provisions, including a new model that supports community ownership. The resilience hub will also feature sustainable technologies developed by Georgia-based Stryten Energy, enhancing its capability to provide critical backup power during outages.