Community partnerships have always been at the heart of SOMAH’s work. The program’s community-based organization (CBO) partners help translate the program’s clean energy goals into trusted, local engagement—connecting with tenants, property owners and community leaders in ways that reflect the needs and priorities of the communities they serve. 

As SOMAH’s community partnerships continue to grow and evolve, the program is recognizing a longtime partner whose work helped shape that approach from the beginning, while also welcoming a new partner who will help carry the work forward in Southern California. 

Honoring Communities for a Better Environment 

Communities for a Better Environment (CBE), one of SOMAH’s initial CBO partners, is wrapping up its work with the program. The Program Administrator team is celebrating the organization’s contributions to expanding equitable solar access. 

Since 1978, CBE has been a leader in the environmental justice movement, advocating alongside communities in Southeast Los Angeles and Wilmington. Its deep community relationships made CBE a valuable SOMAH partner, particularly in helping connect tenants and affordable housing providers in Southeast LA communities with the benefits of solar. 

CBE’s work with SOMAH extended beyond outreach. The organization also supported the program’s workforce development efforts through the Heatspring SOMAH Academy pilot program. Those efforts helped expand access to solar education and career pathways for community members interested in entering the solar industry. 

The Program Administrator team extends its sincere gratitude to CBE for its years of partnership, insight and community-centered leadership. Its partnership helped advance one of the program’s core commitments: making sure the benefits of solar reach the communities that have too often been left out. 

Welcoming Power Direct Energy 

The SOMAH PA is also pleased to welcome its newest partner, Power Direct Energy (PDE). 

PDE is a woman-owned outreach and field services company specializing in community engagement and program enrollment. The organization will support SOMAH outreach efforts throughout Southern California, with a particular focus on San Diego and San Bernardino Counties. 

Through its team of trained Energy Ambassadors, PDE will engage residents and property owners directly on site, helping them better understand SOMAH, the benefits of solar and how eligible communities can participate. 

Continuing the Work 

As SOMAH thanks CBE and welcomes PDE, the program remains committed to building strong community connections. These partnerships help ensure that tenants, affordable housing providers and local stakeholders have the information and support they need to participate in—and benefit from—the state’s clean energy future.