When the COVID-19 pandemic began, it highlighted an issue that was hidden before. Public locations like libraries had closed, and there was no longer access to public electrical outlets for people to charge their mobile devices. For many, like the unhoused, mobile devices are a necessity. They connect people with information and allow them to find jobs. By losing access to outlets for charging, people were not able to use their devices, obtain important information, and communicate with others.
To help address this issue, a small team of ambassador Girl Scouts and high schoolers living in Fremont banded together and designed a project to provide more public charging solutions across the city and the Bay Area. This project, led by Girl Scout Aparna Singh, included the installation of a combination of 38 permanent and portable solar charging stations. The Girl Scouts and students worked closely with Abode Services, Bay Area Community Services (BACS), and the Compassion Network to identify and install the chargers at appropriate sites. The project was funded by East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), the public agency that provides electricity generation service throughout most of Alameda County.
The new solar charging stations are in use now and not only providing a service to those in need but also helping to promote sustainability and clean energy solutions for Fremont. The City thanks everyone who made this project possible, especially Fremont’s youth who continue to find ways to give back to their community!