South Coast AQMD has a long history of strengthening relationships and creating alliances with organizations across Southern California to build healthy and sustainable communities. In recent years, South Coast AQMD has demonstrated the agency’s commitment to service through a variety of events such as the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and Cesar Chavez Day of Remembrance.

In this spirit of service, South Coast AQMD has recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity to collaborate on employee volunteer service projects in environmental justice communities throughout our four-county region.

The new employee volunteer program, “Working with Communities,” brings together community partners, agency personnel and local stakeholders to participate in Habitat for Humanity-related events throughout the year, including installing climate-resilient and energy-efficient home improvements and, in some cases, new home construction in Southern California communities. The program is part of South Coast AQMD’s commitment to improve local and regional air quality and make a difference in environmental justice communities. The first two “Working with Communities” events were held in partnership with Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area and Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles during the month of January.

Staff volunteers with Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area gathered in the City of Highland to update the exterior of a home with a fresh coat of low-VOC compliant paint. Over the course of two weekends, volunteers completed painting a one-story home for a family.

In South Los Angeles, volunteers helped make home ownership a reality for eight low-income families in the Watts-Willowbrook community. The project included painting and installing electrical wiring and constructing sections of a home. The homes will have drought-tolerant landscaping, energy efficient heating systems, insulation made of recycled content, low flow plumbing fixtures and solar energy systems installed.

These two meaningful projects are only the beginning of a productive partnership with Habitat for Humanity to help create healthier communities and fight for environmental justice. More volunteer events will be scheduled with other Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the calendar year.

For more information on the program and future events, visit our Community Events webpage.