Heal House of Warren County held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of a new solar panel at their facility Wednesday morning, through a partnership with 1 Source Solar and other community organizations. Jill Houle with Heal House tells KNIA News this was a community-wide effort and shows how much the area cares about the homeless population.

“When the community comes to the table and supports an initiative that serves the homeless population, which holds a stigma, many communities turn their backs on that population and they choose to say it doesn’t happen. Indianola and Warren County have offered an unprecedented amount of volunteerism and support to us, and that shows the guests that they are valued members of our community, that they belong, and that they can be included. It gives them a sense of belonging, and makes them feel like resources are being directed to support them until they can be housed successfully.”

The solar panel was installed at no cost to Heal House, and will save money on utility bills year-round.