The Harry Tompson Center in New Orleans will soon receive a renewable energy upgrade thanks to a new partnership with the nonprofit solar provider Everybody Solar.
The organization will install a 43.8-kW rooftop solar array at the Rebuild Center, which houses three nonprofit organizations: The Harry Tompson Center, Lantern Light Ministries, and Depaul USA.
Impact of the Solar Upgrade
Once operational, the solar system is expected to generate about 56,347 kWh of electricity each year. This will offset nearly half of the building’s total energy use.
The project is projected to save around $4,800 annually, which will allow the three organizations to redirect the savings toward direct services for New Orleans residents who are experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
Statement from Everybody Solar’s Executive Director
“What excites me most about this partnership with the Harry Tompson Center isn’t just the clean energy, it’s the multiplied impact. One rooftop, one system, three organizations, all dedicated to serving some of New Orleans’ most vulnerable residents,” said Myriam Scally, Executive Director of Everybody Solar.
She continued, “People experiencing homelessness are among those hit hardest by climate change, and this partnership will help redirect thousands of dollars annually back into direct services for those who need it most. That’s exactly why Everybody Solar exists.”
Role of the Harry Tompson Center in New Orleans
The Harry Tompson Center, located within the Rebuild Center, serves more than 200 guests every day. The center provides a calm, dignified space for individuals experiencing homelessness, where they can access hygiene, health, and housing navigation services.
In 2025, the center recorded 33,542 guest visits from over 5,500 unduplicated individuals, marking a 16% increase from the previous year.
How the Savings Will Benefit the Center
Emily Bussen Wain, executive director of the Harry Tompson Center, explained, “While electricity may seem like a modest line item, $4,800 in annual savings is meaningful for an organization serving 28,000 guest visits per year.
Those savings will go directly back into guest services, such as additional hygiene supplies, extended hours, or case management support.”
