Hope in the Future: Young Entrepreneurs with a Social Conscience

One of Inspired to Give’s early interviews was with a recent grad-school graduate, Andrew Lunetta, because he exemplified the strength and effectiveness of being and doing good – and solving problems – for those who need it most. Andrew is founder and Executive Director of A Tiny Home for Good, which provides homes for homeless veterans in Syracuse, New York. Not surprisingly, his selfless work inspires other young people too! (Article is reposted with permission.)

From Andrew Lunetta, Executive Director, A Tiny Home for Good

Since we opened up our very first homes on Rose Ave., I’ve been asked, “When are you going to go solar?” “Wouldn’t solar be the answer?” “Why not solar??” And I agree with the sentiment! I researched. I talked to solar companies. I crunched numbers. But it was just too costly to outfit our homes with panels…on our own.

But almost two years ago I was approached by the Young Entrepreneurs with a Social Conscience Club, a group of ambitious middle school students from the Jordan-Elbridge School District. Moved by our mission and direct contact with some of our tenants, they proposed raising the funds necessary to outfit one of our units with enough panels to power it 100% from the sun. I was of course, excited; but I shared with the students the necessary cost to make it happen. They were undeterred.

For a year and a half, the students worked. They did the research, connected with the solar companies, got the necessary costs, and then they hustled. They shared our mission with their communities and how their involvement would benefit our cause. Their research allowed them to speak articulately about the capabilities of solar and their energy got people and companies involved.

After a year and a half, they did it. Thanks to hundreds of donors and significant in-kind support from CNY Solar, the Young Entrepreneurs with a Social Conscience Club did exactly what they set out to do. They provided us with enough panels to power one of our homes 100% from the sun.

I love the solar panels. I love the look and I am excited to see the financial benefit they afford us. But this is even better: young people, unshaken by significant obstacles, sharing their vision and energy in the pursuit of a project much larger than themselves. It has taken a lot of hands to breathe life into A Tiny Home for Good, but one of our largest donations to date was thanks to the vision and energy of four middle school students. Pretty neat. Incredibly inspiring.

Photo Caption: Jordan-Elbridge teacher Raymond Panek, Director Andrew Lunetta and students from the Young Entrepreneurs with a Social Conscience Club stand in front of the home recently outfitted with solar panels.

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A Tiny Home for Good is a non-profit that could not function without the help of its donors, volunteers, and tenants. Their support allows A Tiny Home for Good to continue its efforts in reducing homelessness through the building of tiny homes with a community-driven approach. Join the Tiny Home for Good Community! Click here to donate