Casa Familiar held a groundbreaking ceremony this week for La Semilla Community Resiliency Center, a project that aims to provide environmental justice at the border.
The California Strategic Growth Council this year approved more than $93 million for climate resiliency centers throughout the state; the project by the San Ysidro-based nonprofit received $8.5 million.
“The selection of La Semilla is a monumental opportunity for Casa Familiar and the San Ysidro community. This grant isn’t just about funding. It’s about igniting a transformation,” Lisa Cuestas, president and CEO of Casa Familiar, said in a news release.
The project will transform a vacant 7,000-square-foot lot in the heart of the San Ysidro Historic Village into a versatile multi-use center developed to serve residents during climate emergencies. La Semilla – the seed in English – also will provide programming and services year-round to teach residents how to approach air pollution, extreme heat, drought, energy use and other climate/community risks.
La Semilla’s main multipurpose facility, La Estancia, will house services and programs such as emergency preparedness and environmental technology workshops, and the Casa Verde Workforce development program.
The center also will serve as a civic hub and a Cool Zone in emergencies and feature a community garden, EV charging stations, and a community plaza.
“This innovative new community center will give San Ysidro neighbors a place to come together to help tackle climate challenges,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “I applaud Casa Familiar and the California Strategic Growth Council for turning this creative community-building idea into a reality.”
