Lacking community resilience centers, Houston neighbors opt for solar-powered ‘hub homes’
October 23, 2025
Doris Brown’s home in Northeast Houston becomes a refuge for neighbors during power outages thanks to her solar panel and battery system. Her house is part of a pilot program creating resilience “hub homes” as emergency safe havens. This grassroots initiative started after Winter Storm Uri in 2021, aiming to boost community resilience. The program was set to expand with EPA funding, but the Solar for All program was canceled, halting growth. Despite the setback, organizers plan to continue through community fundraising. They emphasize the importance of local connections and resilience in the face of increasing extreme weather events.