SOL PURPOSE

Green City Force  (GCF) is an AmeriCorps national service program of robust green economy job training for young NYC adults aged 18-24 living in public and low-income housing in New York City. GCF’s pillars are service, training, sustainability, and justice. Since 2009, GCF has built seven large-scale urban farms in public housing; distributed over 193,194 lbs. of free, organic produce to New York City Housing Authority residents; processed over 272,452 lbs. of compost; engaged over 50,000 community members in climate solutions across energy, food, water, waste, and health; and launched the careers of an over-600-strong alumni network. GCF views young adults from frontline communities as an essential force for driving the emergence of sustainable, resilient cities—transforming their own lives, leading community transition, and promoting the values of a regenerative & inclusive economy.

As part of Sol Systems’ Community Impact Engagement Speaker Series, Executive Director, Tonya Gayle joined our team to celebrate Earth Month. Tonya highlighted their focus on designing service as a path to greater well-being and opportunity, recruiting youth to contribute and lead in the effort to build a greener, fairer, and more just world. GCF’s mission also emphasizes wraparound support as a key component in community impact programs designed to create positive long-term socio-economic benefits.

Their drive to promote and sustain a positive societal impact in under-resourced communities aligns strongly with Sol Systems’ Infrastructure + Impact strategy. Through our Infrastructure + Impact strategy, Sol Systems looks forward to partnering with and promoting organizations with similar positive societal and environmental impact missions within the communities where our projects are located.