Duke Energy Donates Towards RHA Greenhouse Project

ROXBORO, N.C. - As North Carolina continues to grow and lead the clean energy transition, the Duke Energy Foundation will donate more than $500,000 in grants to support and strengthen local nonprofit organizations and advance environmental programs.

"We're committed to playing a significant role in lifting up our communities and awarding grants to help local nonprofits across the state advance their environmental impact and community engagement," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "Local communities are critical to North Carolina's energy transformation, and we look forward to our continued engagement as the state experiences unprecedented growth and opportunity."

Thirty-two organizations will receive grants, including Roxboro Housing Authority's (RHA) STEAM - Greenhouse Learning Experience program. This project is designed to build a greenhouse on open green space at RHA's Weatherly Heights apartment community in the South Roxboro area of Person County.

Launched in 2019, the program is poised to continue to foster academic success through fun and an interest in science, technology, engineering, art and math, often referred to as STEAM. The agency will construct a greenhouse for students and their parents to learn about the importance of science and technology through greenhouse gardening.

Roxboro Housing Authority Executive Director Felts Lewis shares that the organization also wants to bolster economic self-sufficiency in underserved and underprivileged youth. "This will assist participants to recognize that, in the future, they can pursue post-secondary study and employment in the areas of STEAM."

"With assistance from Duke Energy, we can grow this program and the possibilities that surround it. Participants will see benefits now, in the food they help cultivate and share in their community, as well as potentially gain an understanding of career opportunities through the skills they learn and interests they develop," said Lewis.

The program consists of a partnership with South Elementary School led by STEAM Coordinator Erin Redfern and Abanitu Organics, a Roxboro-based organic farming organization led by Bernard Obie.

"I am extremely proud of the work happening at the Roxboro Housing Authority. The staff has been innovative in project ideas and developing partnerships," said Beth Townsend, district manager for Duke Energy in Person County. "I hope this particular project, which includes residents, school-age students, and a local organic farmer, has the chance to develop the love of the land and provide skills that can last a lifetime. I'm honored to support the program with funding from the Duke Energy Foundation."

Click here to see the progress RHA has made since establishing community gardens at its sites.

About the Roxboro Housing Authority and the Roxboro Community Redevelopment Corporation, the official 501(c)3 entity of RHA:
Roxboro Community Redevelopment Corporation (RCRC) shall serve as a catalyst for improving the housing and economic conditions in underserved communities in Person County. This will be achieved by developing partnerships to enhance our work and efforts towards providing affordable housing and conditions such for families to become self-sufficient through education, building employment skills, developing gardening skills and computer skills. For more information, contact the administrative office at (336) 599-8616.

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