As Hurricane Helene heads toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, the potential for blackouts in some regions is causing concern, especially for vulnerable populations. In New Orleans, Verna Lee and Ronald Bailey, both 71 years old, face the anxiety of frequent power outages, particularly because Bailey relies on a breathing machine to keep his airways open at night. The dilemma of whether to stay or evacuate weighs heavily on them during these situations.

During Hurricane Francine two weeks prior, when the power went out, Bailey considered sleeping sitting up due to the necessity of the breathing machine for him to sleep comfortably. However, they found refuge at First Grace United Methodist Church, one of the buildings that is part of the Community Lighthouse Project. This initiative aims to provide essential services like access to electricity and air conditioning during blackouts by using solar panels to create microgrids on church roofs.

First Grace and eight other operational microgrids in New Orleans have proven to be crucial during times of power outages. These self-sustaining microgrids function by storing solar energy in batteries, ensuring a continuous power supply even during severe weather conditions such as hurricanes. The success of these microgrids has prompted plans to expand the initiative to include 86 buildings in New Orleans and 500 across the state of Louisiana.

The inspiration behind the Community Lighthouse Project stemmed from personal experiences, such as that of founding member Broderick Bagert. When his newborn son required medical care during Hurricane Isaac in 2012, Bagert faced challenges due to power outages. This motivated him to ensure that communities have safe spaces to seek shelter during disasters, leading to the creation of these microgrids.

The importance of these microgrids was underscored during Hurricane Ida in 2021, a decade after Hurricane Isaac and several years following Hurricane Katrina. First Grace United Methodist Church, a symbol of unity in a merged congregation, continues to serve as a beacon of hope and safety for the community, especially during times of crisis.

Pastor Shawn Moses Anglim, a key figure in the network of Community Lighthouses, emphasizes the significance of providing a safe haven for individuals during and after storms. With the state’s largest solar-plus-battery microgrid at New Wine Christian Fellowship in LaPlace, the initiative is expanding its reach to offer assistance to more vulnerable communities facing the impacts of climate change.

Supported by contributions from various sources, including governmental allocations and private funding, the Community Lighthouse Project is dedicated to ensuring that individuals have access to electricity and essential services during emergencies. Through these efforts, communities like those in New Orleans are better equipped to navigate power outages and disruptions caused by severe weather conditions.