At Marvel Way, we’re redefining what supportive housing should look like! Our apartment complex has always been a Nevada First – and since we opened our doors nearly two years ago, we’ve continued to expand our offerings.
What makes our sober housing different?
This summer, we grew our community while celebrating Marvel Way’s unique achievements through three key events. We’ve announced our plans to make Marvel Way Phase II 100% sun-powered, supported pet ownership at Pet Palooza, and welcomed even more children into our community (28 and counting) through social gatherings, like our summer BBQ.
Keep reading for all the details –
Going (and saving) green – 100% Solar at Marvel Way
Providing affordable housing – with zero electricity bills or carbon footprint? We’re always excited when it’s this easy to make the right choice for our residents, as well as our planet.
At The Empowerment Center, we’re proud to share that Marvel Way Phase II will be the first low-income housing facility 100% powered by solar. We’re installing 557 solar panels on the new building’s roof and carport, adding to the 118 panels we already have on site at Marvel Way Phase I. Achieving 100% solar will be possible due to grants available from the US EPA, through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
Of course, solar power isn’t new to our organization. At The Empowerment Center, we’ve been shading our parking lot with solar since 2014 – and have enjoying significant savings in our energy bills. At Marvel Way, we’re growing our commitment to renewable energy.
We’ve always aimed to make life easier for our residents. One way we’re doing this? By including all utilities (electricity, water, and Wi-Fi) in our sliding-scale rents. With our solar install, we’re both stabilizing and reducing the building’s energy costs – freeing up more resources to spend on the supportive services that are core to our mission.
In August, representatives from multiple agencies, including the Nevada Clean Energy Fund, Washoe County Board of Commissioners, and the Nevada Wildlife Federation gathered at Marvel Way to discuss the impacts of clean energy across Washoe County. Washoe County Commission Chair Alexis Hill, Empowerment Center Executive Director Roxanne DeCarlo, and Nevada Wildlife Federation Consultant Natasha Majewski each spoke about the impact of this project and the important role solar energy will play in Northern Nevada’s growth. We’re grateful for their support, as well as for the ongoing backing of Kirsten Stern of the Nevada Clean Energy Fund.
Roxanne DeCarlo shares, “The energy and cost savings provided by solar allow Marvel Way to include all utilities with rent. Marvel Way provides supportive services to those in early recovery from a substance use disorder – and the savings that come through our solar program allow us to provide these services. I am so grateful for the different solar is making in our operations!”
Celebrating Pet Ownership
While most supportive housing programs shy away from allowing animals, at Marvel Way we’ve decided to embrace them. After all, we’ve always felt the benefits of companionships with our own 4-legged friends – and the research shows again and again why pets are the perfect fit for people in recovery. Holding pets increases the levels of serotonin and dopamine in our bodies, helping us to manage anxiety and depression. Just as significantly, taking care of a pet has been proven to be a great way to practice responsibility, gain self-confidence, and provide a sense of purpose.
Recognizing that Marvel Way is already home to 9 dogs and 7 cats, in June we hosted our first event to celebrate them: Pet Palooza. We brought together local vendors to make a wide range of community resources readily available to all the building’s pet owners – including vet care, tasty treats, gift bags, and more. At the event, we guided our tenants to teach them to ask the right questions to obtain the best possible care for their pets, as well as for themselves.
Joining us at Pet Palooza was The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who’s partnering with The Empowerment Center to conduct research through the Marvel Way Pet Program. We’re collaborating to create an evaluation study, which went through the ethics board at the University, to determine the impact pets have on individuals struggling with mental health and addiction. “The Pet Program has been life changing for the tenants, giving them access to food and veterinary care for their animals,” TEC Director of Community Development Yvette Myers notes. “We have a mobile vet providing pet care on site, a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant designing our dog park, and pet food donations through a local non-profit. And this is only the beginning!”
Read more about Pets at Marvel Way here.
Building a Family-Friendly Community
Studies show that building a supportive social network is a key factor in maintaining both short- and long-term sobriety. (Other top factors include the desire to avoid negative consequences and participation in 12-step meetings.) In active addiction, many individuals lack the supportive communities they need to thrive – and at Marvel Way we aim to recreate these networks.
Since we opened our doors almost 2 years ago, we’ve watched our community evolve and grow. While our 42 apartments were once home to just 10 children, today 26 kids run through Marvel Way’s halls. This increase is largely due to family reunification. Now that our residents have safe, stable, and affordable housing, they’re able to provide the home environment their children need to thrive.
With so many families, our community events are starting to feel a little different. At events like our Summer BBQ, we’re offering more kid-friendly games, snacks, and space to run around. We’re moving forward on the construction of a playground. And, we’re getting ready to make this year’s holidays absolutely sparkle.
As we transition into the holiday season, we’re excited about all our new opportunities to gather together. With so many families to celebrate with, we know the 2024 holiday season is going to be our most powerful yet!