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PCCLT Homeowners

Homeowner Resources

Solar Energy

SERI is a non-profit whose mission is to preserve the environment and protect human health. Their Solar Empowerment Program makes it easier for low-income households to access rooftop solar systems through a partnership with Technicians For Sustainability (TFS). We recommend CLT homeowners use this program to avoid solar scams and get a lower, shorter term loan payment.

Solar Empowerment Program SERI

Other solar energy programs must be reviewed and approved by the CLT. 

To learn more about energy efficiency programs, rebates, and tax credits that may be available to you, check out SERI's Energy Efficiency Resource Guide

High Efficiency Clothes Washer

SERI is partnering with Tucson Water to empower low-income families to upgrade their washers. On average, Energy Star certified high-efficiency washers consume about 30% less water and 20% less energy than conventional models. Qualifying participants can purchase a new high-efficiency washer for just $200, despite its full value of up to $800 plus installation. To facilitate this, participants will receive a zero-interest loan from SERI, structured to be manageable: a $50 down payment when qualified, followed by a 6-month payment plan of just $25 per month.

Read more and fill out a program request here

Food and Groceries

  • Apply for EBT and WIC, find community food banks, and receive food items

  • Receive up to 70 pounds of produce for a $15 donation

  • Low Cost Grocery Stores

    - McGary's Discount Groceries 2411 N Oracle Rd
    - El Super 3372 S 6th Ave
    - Grantstone Supermarket 8 W Grant Rd
    - Food City (multiple locations)

Gardening and Composting

  • Gardening does not have to be expensive with Community Gardens of Tucson. Scholarships and discounts are available for low-income households. Contact admin@communitygardensoftucson.org to take a tour of a garden near you and apply for a discounted plot.

  • Compost your food waste for FREE without the hassle or the smell through the City of Tucson's FoodCycle at Home program in partnership with UA Compost Cats

  • If you are new to gardening, check out School Garden Workshop's Sonoran Desert School Gardener's Almanac. Its gardening resources are place-based, and community sourced, with kid-friendly recipes and activities. Growing plants seasonally adapted to the desert climate is key to saving money on a garden that thrives.

Landscaping

  • As a Tucson Electric Power user, you can order two 5-gallon shade trees for $5 each

  • Every year during winter and spring Tucson Clean and Beautiful offers free trees to residents of neighborhoods with low tree equity. Keep an eye out for a doorknob flyer from the organization to see if they will be planting in your neighborhood soon.

  • Many neighborhoods in Tucson have free plant stands. Check out this map to find one near you.

  • The Seed Library is a collection of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds that you can borrow for free to plant and grow at home.

One way to keep your landscaping costs low is to select plants that you can source and propagate for free. 

  • Aloe Vera
    Aloe Vera

    Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant used to treat burns, wounds, skin conditions, and digestive issues. It grows easily in our climate, and will multiply itself by producing more plants called "pups". Sometimes aloe vera turns purple-brown in the winter or dry summer, but it comes back during rainy seasons.

  • Agave
    Agave

    In Mexican folk medicine, agave is used for constipation, toothaches, and skin infections. Like the aloe vera, they multiply themselves by growing baby plants called "pups". They are very hardy and desert adapted.

  • Prickly Pear / Nopal
    Prickly Pear / Nopal

    The prickly pear cactus, or nopal, is easy to grow by cutting off a cactus pad and planting it directly in the ground. Some species of nopal are edible, as well as their fruit. They grow fairly rapidly for a cactus, and are native to the desert, so no additional care is necessary.

  • Purple Heart
    Purple Heart

    Purple heart is resilient and easy to grow. It can be grown by cutting off a vine from an existing plant and planting it into well-drained potting soil. It grows quickly and can be used as a ground cover.

Find more resources on our Resources tab

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