Rebuilding Together DC-Alexandria (RTDCA), which transforms neighborhoods in Washington DC and Alexandria Va. has been awarded a $200,000 sustainability grant from  the Wells Fargo Foundation. The funding will allow RTDCA to improve climate resiliency for marginalized populations by addressing home improvements and conservation-related retrofits. 

Since 2011, Wells Fargo and its employees have helped Rebuilding DC- Alexandria further its mission of providing affordable, sustainable housing and communities across the region. In 2023, Wells Fargo provided $1.45 million to Rebuilding Together to support new home construction and repair projects across the U.S. 

“Climate-friendly housing helps the environment and contributes to better community wellbeing, yet far too many households in the D.C. area have the least access to renewable energy,” said Victor Burrola, Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Impact for Washington, D.C. at Wells Fargo. “Through our support of Rebuilding Together, this important climate resiliency initiative aligns with our ongoing efforts to help individuals and families increase energy-efficiency, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint in their homes.”

The grant from Wells Fargo “will enable Rebuilding Together to advance housing affordability and racial equity in our underserved communities in Washington DC and Alexandria Va. by providing sustainable housing upgrades,” said Katharine Dixon, President & CEO of RTDCA. 

With the help of everyday volunteers, skilled tradespeople and the support of funding partners such as Wells Fargo, RTDCA provides housing security for hundreds of low-income homeowners in Washington DC and Alexandria Va. every year. 

RTDCA will use Wells Fargo’s grant to create quality, sustainable home environments and reduce potential negative health impacts. The expanded work will include improved energy-efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. 

Such work may include whole house audits for each family/individual served and a combination of climate resiliency retrofits.

Funds will likely also be used for some community revitalization projects such as planting trees to increase and improve community health and neighborhood pride. 

More information can be found at: https://rebuildingtogetherdca.org/