Community Lighthouse Project
When disaster strikes, communities need safe spaces to gather, find support, and access critical resources. In New Orleans, a city all too familiar with the devastating effects of hurricanes and power outages, the Community Lighthouse Project is stepping up to provide resilience where it’s needed most.
What is the Community Lighthouse Project?
The Community Lighthouse Project is a groundbreaking initiative launched by Together New Orleans to create a network of solar- and battery-powered resilience hubs. These hubs, known as Community Lighthouses, are based in churches and community centers and serve as beacons of hope during crises.
The concept emerged in the wake of Hurricane Ida in 2021, which left New Orleans residents without power for weeks. The goal? To establish a community-wide safety net that ensures neighborhoods are prepared for future disasters. Each lighthouse will provide:
✔ Charging stations for phones and small electronics
✔ Cooling and heating stations for extreme temperatures
✔ Food preparation and distribution for those in need
✔ Medical equipment support, including oxygen exchange
✔ On-the-ground needs assessments to ensure rapid response efforts
Community Power South: Powering Resilience
At the heart of the Community Lighthouse Project is Community Power South, the nonprofit solar development corporation responsible for installing and managing the solar and battery storage systems that power these resilience hubs. By leveraging commercial-scale rooftop solar and battery technology, Community Power South ensures that these sites remain operational even when the grid fails.
This partnership not only provides clean, renewable energy but also fosters local job creation and workforce training, strengthening the region’s long-term sustainability.
Funding & Progress
The initiative has already secured nearly $11 million in funding from various sources, including federal, state, and local governments, as well as private donors and foundations. Among the key supporters is the Greater New Orleans Foundation, which has contributed $1 million toward the effort. The total cost for the full network of 85-100 resilience hubs is estimated at $40 million.
How It’s Making a Difference
The pilot phase, which launched in 2022, included ten operational sites. These sites received their first real-world test during Hurricane Francine, where they successfully provided emergency support, proving the model’s effectiveness. As construction continues, additional sites will be added across Louisiana to ensure more communities have access to these life-saving resources.
A Model for the Future
The Community Lighthouse Project isn’t just a local initiative—it’s a blueprint for resilience that could be replicated in disaster-prone regions across the country. By leveraging renewable energy, community leadership, and innovative disaster response strategies, this effort is transforming how cities prepare for and respond to crises.
Want to learn more? Visit Together New Orleans or check out their StoryMap to explore the project in more detail.
