By Patty Sheats
VA Medical Center
The Story of Gary – A Vietnam Veteran
Gary, lives at Juanita Nolasco, a muti-family property located in Denver, with his rescue dog Bea. He and the many other residents who live there are on fixed incomes. Their many health challenges, including mobility limitations and upcoming surgeries make it difficult to manage everyday expenses. Like many of his neighbors, the rising cost of electricity was becoming unmanageable.
At first, Gary was skeptical of community solar. He remembers hearing the announcement over his building’s PA system and dismissing it as too good to be true. But with bills climbing to nearly a hundred dollars a month, he decided to give it a try. The first month’s bill came back at just three dollars. “I just started laughing,” Gary recalls, describing the big gummy smile he still gets every time he opens his bill. One month, the utility even owed him money.
For Gary, the program has become more than just financial relief; it is peace of mind. With less strain on his budget, he can focus on his health, buy better groceries, and feel more secure at home. His transformation from skeptic to supporter mirrors the experience of many in his building. Community solar has not only lowered bills, but it has also built trust with organizations like EOC, eased stress, and shown residents that solutions like this really can work.
While Energy Outreach Colorado is a wonderful program for the veteran population, it’s a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing energy assistance and resources to those in need across the state. With a strong commitment to addressing energy insecurity and promoting sustainable practices, EOC is crucial in supporting individuals and families facing challenges in meeting their energy needs. Through a range of impactful programs and initiatives, the organization strives to make a positive difference in communities, advocating for equitable access to energy resources.
For information about this and other Energy Assistance programs available to Weld County residents, navigate to https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Human-Services/Support-My-Family and click on Energy Assistance. Applications will be available beginning NOVEMBER 1st.
