After 54 years of service to communities in Sacramento, Sutter, and Yuba counties, the Community Resource Project, Inc. (CRP) has increased resource availability to San Joaquin County through expanded energy programs and community partnerships.
CRP is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1972 by three Latino community leaders who recognized the need for programs that support low-income communities. At its core, CRP is committed to creating healthy, inclusive, and economically vibrant communities by providing services that support energy efficiency, health education, and workforce development opportunities to help families achieve long-term stability.
CRP operates through two primary divisions: Energy and Health. The Energy Division provides a wide range of services, including energy bill assistance, heating and cooling system replacements, and home energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation improvements and window replacements. Services are completely free of charge to qualifying households.
“These are essential needs that must be met,” says Wilfredo Cruz Jr., Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of CRP. “We’re the trusted messenger in this area to provide these services.” Wilfredo oversees programs and strategic direction as the agency expands to meet the evolving needs of communities throughout Northern California.
Each year, CRP’s Energy Division assists more than 10,000 low-income households, while the Health Division serves over 50,000 individuals. In counties where CRP has historically operated, the Energy Division delivers more than $11 million in direct benefits annually through services that reduce household energy costs, improve home safety, and increase comfort.
CRP encourages eligible families and individuals to take advantage of the energy, health, and career development resources currently available.
CRP has previously completed significant projects in San Joaquin County, delivering over $3 million in energy efficiency upgrades across three migrant housing centers: the Joseph J. Artesi II Migrant Center, the Artesi III Migrant Center, and the Harney Lane Migrant Center.
Across these centers, CRP replaced aging HVAC systems that had fallen into disrepair and implemented energy improvements designed to enhance living conditions for residents. In total, more than 200 housing units received upgrades.
Improvements ensure that families living in migrant housing have access to safe, reliable heating and cooling while also reducing long-term energy costs for the facilities. These projects demonstrate the impact energy programs have in supporting communities and improving the quality of housing for residents.
More recently, CRP received grants to expand energy services in San Joaquin County. The Low-Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) Farmworker 2.0 grant is a program funded by the State of California. Under this program, solar systems are installed at no cost to homeowners and are owned outright by the client once installed. These systems provide long-term savings by reducing household electricity costs.
To qualify for the LIWP Farmworker program, the applicant must own their home and work in the agricultural field. Because LIWP funding is limited, the number of solar installations available is also limited. Services are expected to be available now through May 2026.
CRP understands that privacy is an important concern for many residents. LIWP does not provide personal information to the State of California.
CRP has also expanded services through funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (DOE IIJA) Weatherization Assistance Program.
This program provides free home energy improvements designed to reduce energy costs and improve safety and comfort. Upgrades available through this program include full HVAC system replacements and major insulation upgrades that significantly improve the performance of a home. These services can dramatically reduce household energy bills while improving indoor air quality, comfort, and overall home safety. Because this program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, a Social Security number is required for eligibility verification.
Although CRP has served neighboring counties for decades, the organization is still working to build its presence in San Joaquin County. By working with local partners and expanding outreach, CRP aims to build trust in the community, increase awareness of available programs, and help connect residents with services.
CRP encourages residents of San Joaquin County to take advantage of the LIWP and DOE Weatherization Assistance Programs while funding remains available. To see if your household qualifies for these services, visit www.communityresourceproject.org.
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