Local Action on Climate-Related Threats

As we look to support our Southern California neighbors, we also want to express gratitude for our grantee organizations, like 2023 Impact Grantee Climate Resilient Communities (CRC), working locally to help our communities prepare for and be equipped to respond to climate-related threats.

Founded as a program of Acterra—a nonprofit with a 50-year legacy of solving environmental problems—CRC began as a volunteer-driven initiative to help residents reduce energy costs and improve home health. A standalone organization since 2016, CRC is led by Violet Wulf-Saena, an international climate change expert passionate about empowering under-resourced communities. CRC addresses environmental justice by working with residents, schools, and local governments to ensure that communities like East Palo Alto and Belle Haven have a voice in climate adaptation planning.

Through programs like their Resilient Homes, which connects low-income homeowners to free solar and weatherization programs, and Resilient Education, which trains youth and families in climate action, CRC is making tangible strides toward building climate-resilient neighborhoods.

We are fortunate to have leaders like Violet, who remind us that the most effective solutions come from the communities most affected by climate change.