What we do
Since 2005, Verde brings new environmental investments to Portland’s neighborhoods, involves community members in the planning and building of these investments, and ensures that low-income people and people of color directly benefit from these investments.
Why we do it
At Verde, all of our programs work at the intersection of environmental, racial, and economic justice. We believe that our environment is at the heart of all issues of livability, security, and wealth.
Our Programs
Verde’s Community Solar Program helps make clean, renewable energy more accessible and affordable for local families. By subscribing to community solar, participants can support renewable energy while saving money on their electricity bills — no rooftop solar panels required. The program is designed to help more Portland residents benefit from a cleaner, more equitable energy future.
Verde’s Home Heating and Cooling Program helps Portland residents upgrade their heating and cooling systems at low or no cost. Heating and cooling can make up nearly half of a household’s utility bill, and outdated systems can impact both health and finances. By improving energy efficiency, families can lower energy costs, stay safer during extreme temperatures, and create healthier, more comfortable homes.
Urban Habitat pairs environmental restoration with workforce development and education. Homeowners receive the resources and support needed to steward their native gardens long-term, while high school students and young adult interns gain hands-on experience and job skills in sustainable landscaping and green infrastructure.
Líderes Verdes is Verde’s leadership development program that empowers community members to advocate for environmental justice and positive change in their neighborhoods. Through workshops, community organizing, and hands-on learning opportunities, participants build skills, connections, and confidence to become leaders shaping a healthier and more equitable future for Portland communities.
Verde builds power for environmental justice communities through our advocacy work. We combine organizing, leadership development, and popular education to build community capacity to craft policies that reflect their needs and that have the political momentum to win. We help build coalitions of frontline communities at the local, state and national level to collectively move our work forward with a focus on energy justice, transportation, air quality and water.