Solar Panels Benefit Victim-Survivors and the Climate

Money saved on electricity will go directly to help victim-survivors while solar panels will reduce the shelter’s impact on climate change.

The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) and The Rotary Club of Iowa City Downtown are excited to announce that we have reached our goal of purchasing a full 128 panel solar array for our emergency shelter in Johnson County. Each year, this system will prevent carbon emissions equivalent to what could be sequestered by 52 acres of forest.

We could not have reached this goal without the support of our community! 25 local businesses sponsored either a solar panel or donated items for our online auction and gift sale. Over $40,000 was raised by individuals largely through the Rotary Club of Iowa City Downtown who also matched a grant for $5000 given by the Rotary District 6000 Iowa, and an additional grant was awarded for $10,000 from the City of Iowa City. In November, an angel donor gave a substantial donation to help us reach our goal!

Not only did Rotary members donate their funds to the project, they also donated their time. Over 150 volunteer hours were spent gathering donated items, selling coffee, and creating an online auction/live sale for the project. 

Lasting effects of relationships made through the solar project.

Through this project 20 new donor connections were made including many local farmer’s market retailers. One such connection made with 6 Acre Farm has become a permanent one. The egg farmers are now delivering 30 dozen eggs to DVIP each month to be used at our emergency shelter. Having access to fresh food is a constant challenge for victim-survivors and this connection will have a lasting impact on the health and wellness of those we serve. 

Thank you to all who participated!