SustainableMiddleborough outlines weatherization, outreach and advocacy; committee considers collaboration

Hayden, the weatherization navigator for SustainableMiddleborough, told the Energy Advisory Committee on Nov. 3 that the nonprofit grew from an adult-education initiative into a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) funded by a MassCEC grant, microgrants and community support. "Our organization primarily focuses on 3 pillars. Those are education, outreach, and advocacy," Hayden said.

Hayden described services the group offers: a full weatherization guide on sustainablemiddleborough.org, workshops (DIY installation, climate resilience, PFAS mitigation), printed materials for tabling at outreach events and one-on-one navigation that guides residents from initial interest in weatherization or heat-pump conversion through execution and rebate capture. Hayden said SustainableMiddleborough has helped advocate with Middleborough Gas & Electric on low-income rebates and procurement policies.

Committee members asked how Lakeville could work with the nonprofit. Hayden proposed that Lakeville use SustainableMiddleborough's existing materials and reach, help publicize workshops, or signpost residents to the nonprofit's services. Hayden also offered one-on-one support to Middleborough Gas & Electric customers regardless of municipal boundary, noting the nonprofit's limited staff capacity and largely volunteer leadership.

Kimberly French, identified in the meeting as the nonprofit's board president, said she would provide printed materials to the committee. Committee members discussed linking the group on town web pages and coordinating messaging with Middleborough Gas & Electric to ensure clear public communications.

No formal committee action was taken. Members agreed to consider follow-up steps — including possible communications coordination and inclusion of the group's resources in town outreach — at a future meeting.