A Catholic Charities social services building serving residents of West Virginia and Ohio is installing solar panels in response to Pope Francis’ call for caring for the environment.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston says in a news release that the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center in Wheeling that after the panels are installed, the building will use one-fourth of the power currently being used.
Shepherdstown-based Solar Holler is leading the project.
Catholic Charities West Virginia program development director Elizabeth Paulhus says the project was a way to reduce the agency’s utility costs, which will in turn free up funding for key services.
In September, Pope Francis proposed that caring for the environment be added to the traditional seven works of mercy that Christians are called to perform.