Community POWER Grant 2011-2012

Since 1972A nonprofit organization

dedicated to helping low-income individuals and families develop the tools they need to achieve self-sufficiency.

5 major areas of service: Affordable housingEmployment and job

trainingSupport services Youth development and

education

Enriched on-site supportive services to PPL’s affordable housing residents

8 affordable housing sites:South MinneapolisSoutheast MinneapolisNorth MinneapolisSt. PaulNew HopeSt. Louis Park

Non-toxic Cleaner: Residents increased knowledge of toxic cleaning products and made non-toxic cleaners to use in their homes.

E-waste: Residents learned about E-waste (cell phones, batteries, computer equipment, etc.) and its proper disposal.

Waste Reduction: Residents learned how to take steps to reduce their environmental impact through changing consumption patterns, reusing/repurposing items

Led by PPL staff and resident leaders Engaged them in discussions

about the harmful effects of toxic cleaning products

Residents made and took home bottles of non-toxic cleaner

Attendees received $10 gift card for future non-toxic cleaner purchases

Popular with residents79 residents attended

(original goal of 40 residents)

After 3 months over half of attendees reported a changed in their use of cleaning products

Worked well with resident leader model

Led by PPL staff and resident leaders Taught residents about E-waste and its safe,

environmentally friendly disposalGroup trips to Best Buy e-waste recycling drop-

offAttendees received $10 gift card as an incentive

Less resident interest 34 residents attended

(original goal of 40 residents)However, after 3 months

almost half of attendees reported recycling electronics more frequently

Difficulty finding accurate information regarding regulations for different areas

Transportation a challenge for residents with larger items

Led by PPL staff, resident leaders, and ArtStart staffFamilies took part in

ArtStart’s “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” art workshops

Engaged parents in discussions about packaging reduction and other waste reduction shopping techniques

Attendees received a reusable shopping bag

Popular with residents134 residents attended

(original goal of 80 residents)

After 3 months:60% of attendees reported

using a reusable shopping bag more frequently due to the workshop

70% reported choosing to avoid excess packaging when shopping

Resident leadership role more difficult

Began recycling at 4 housing sitesHeld 5 ‘Recycling Parties’

to provide outreach and educationRecycling Relay games,

Recycling Trivia contests, Recycling Information Sign Making contests

80% of families choosing to begin recycling attributed to outreach activities

“Green Tips” included in monthly resident newslettersDistributed to over 700

residents monthlyPPL’s Green Living

Resident Handbook posted on the PPL Hub websiteProvides easy access to

residents and staff when working with residents