Green Start for Hamilton Family Center

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - In Spring 2008, the Hamilton Family Center (HFC) decided to launch Connect the Dots’s Green Start program to make the necessary changes towards environmentally-responsible operations. HFC, a San Francisco-based organization focused on promoting independent living in low-income families, provides food, shelter, and a comprehensive array of support services that promote self-sufficiency to families as they find and maintain housing.

The Green Start program resulted in the following financial savings:

  • immediate savings of $8,500
  • annual projected savings of $15,500
  • total savings of $24,000 which is 12% of the annual operational cost!

More importantly, HFC will make the following environmental impact:

  • 25% reduction in office paper consumption
  • 20% reduction in water usage
  • 33% reduction in electricity consumption
  • Move from 50% to 60% waste diversion
  • Purchasing arrangements with local, green-certified businesses and nonprofits
  • Formalized internal Green Team in place for future action
Looking at the Green Start Summary Report showing the metrics of our efforts, it astounds me that we accomplished all that in what seems like such a short time!
- Devra Edelmann
Program Director HFC Transitional Housing Program

Read the detailed case study [PDF]

Interested in learning more about the Green Start program? Contact us.