Community Partnerships Power SOMAH’s Impact Across California
Community-based organizations (CBOs) have been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Program. By tailoring engagement strategies to reflect the needs, cultures, and languages of California’s historically underserved communities, these partners ensure that SOMAH’s benefits are both accessible and equitable. Since the program’s launch in 2019, this network has significantly strengthened SOMAH’s capacity to deliver tenant education, property owner outreach, and stakeholder engagement statewide.
 

Local Leadership in Action
One standout example is Self-Help Enterprises (SHE), a long-standing leader in rural housing and community development. In partnership with the Fresno Housing Authority and other regional property owners, SHE has demonstrated exemplary leadership across the Central Valley.
 

This year, SHE introduced its first Train-the-Trainer model, empowering trusted community leaders—many of whom are residents—to educate tenants on SOMAH benefits, energy bill savings, and energy justice principles. This peer-led approach builds community ownership and supports long-term knowledge sharing.
To make education even more accessible, SHE hosted five tenant workshops directly at Fresno Housing Authority properties during the spring and summer months. Holding events on-site removed transportation barriers and created trusted, comfortable spaces for residents to learn close to home.
 

Strengthening Collaboration and Cultural Relevance
CBO partners serve as essential liaisons between SOMAH Program Administrators (PAs) and the broader community network, ensuring that program delivery is grounded in community perspectives. This collaboration has allowed SOMAH to scale outreach efforts while maintaining the cultural relevance that lies at the heart of its mission.
 

Storytelling and Shared Success
CBOs also bring creativity and heart to SOMAH’s media and storytelling efforts. From organizing ribbon-cutting events to developing and sharing powerful educational materials and success stories, these partners amplify participant voices and inspire new applicants to join the program.
 

Building a More Equitable Solar Future
The combined efforts of SOMAH’s past and present CBO partners have strengthened the program’s ability to reach diverse audiences—including tenants, job trainees, contractors, property owners, and local officials. These partnerships help bridge both outreach and trust gaps, particularly in communities historically excluded from climate investments.
 

By serving as trusted messengers and advocates, SOMAH’s CBO partners ensure that California’s clean energy future is not only sustainable—but also equitable and inclusive.