Combining culture, community, and clean energy in St. Cloud

Founded in 2010, Community Grassroots Solutions is a nonprofit dedicated to education, jobs, and bringing people together.

“They’re an important pillar of the St. Cloud community,” says Heidi Auel, Central Clean Energy Resource Team Coordinator. “As an ongoing partner, we’ve seen firsthand how the organization brings people together and changes lives.”

Using their community standing and seed grant support, Community Grassroots Solutions led outreach that was culturally relevant and community-focused. Around 200 people were reached with workshops, energy audits, and other resources that helped participants improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance indoor air quality. 

“Through this project, so many collaborations took off,” recalls Auel. “Part of that came from the outreach we did together.”

Alongside Abdiaziz Odiriye, executive director of Community Grassroots Solutions, Auel and other volunteers visited local East African businesses in St. Cloud to spread information. Odiriye’s place in the community combined with Clean Energy Resource Teams’ know-how, led to face-to-face guidance on energy rebates and efficiency opportunities for the businesses. 

In addition to business outreach, local families are receiving direct support through Home Energy Audits provided by the Center for Energy and Environment. During these audits, trained professionals visit homes to identify areas of energy waste, conduct diagnostic tests such as blower-door testing, and install immediate energy-saving measures like LED light bulbs and weatherstripping. Each visit lasts approximately 2–3 hours and includes a detailed report outlining potential energy and cost-saving opportunities. The residents are also connected with qualified contractors and resources for further upgrades. 

“This work has supported around 200 people locally,” says Auel. “Additionally, we’ve connected Community Grassroots Solutions with the Center for Energy and Environment. That partnership continues to blossom.”

With support from Community Grassroots Solutions, Center for Energy and Environment recently led career training tailored for East African community members. The results were immediate. Twenty-seven community members received hands-on training in clean energy practices, boosting their confidence and ability to implement energy-efficient solutions at home and at work. 

The program also strengthened community bonds, showing how trust, personalized engagement, and culturally tailored communication can make a real difference in historically underserved communities.

“By addressing language, accessibility, and cultural barriers, Community Grassroots Solutions is empowering St. Cloud’s Somali community to take its place in clean energy and sustainability,” says Auel.