The Healthy Homes Hub is designed around a simple premise: the work should go to contractors who live and operate here.
Our upgrade program will install heat pump water heaters, induction cooktops, solar and battery systems, and the electrical and remediation work that makes them possible, in income-qualified homes across the Pittsburg and Antioch area. We’re seeking the funding to run it.
That work needs contractors, and we’re building the pool now rather than waiting.
During the planning phase, Emerald Cities Collaborative worked with eighteen small, local, frontline and Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise contractors across the region — through focus sessions, questionnaires, and structured interviews with licensed electrical and plumbing firms.
What they told us shaped the program’s design. Small firms can’t absorb slow payment cycles. Administrative burden is often the real barrier, not technical skill. And labor standards can’t be imposed without a reliable pipeline of work to make them achievable.
The Hub is designed accordingly: prompt payment on verified completion, administrative support so contractors can focus on installation rather than paperwork, and a realistic path toward high road standards rather than a requirement at the door.
Experienced contractors who can anchor heat pump water heater installation and gas to electric work and mentor others.
Contractors expanding into electrification — firms currently installing gas equipment who want heat pump experience and are willing to be supported into it.
Trades supporting remediation and readiness — roofing, electrical, plumbing, pest, hazardous materials.
We’re particularly interested in hearing from small, local, minority-owned, women-owned, and disabled-veteran-owned firms.
Contractors would be part of a rotating pool, receiving referrals rather than bidding on individual jobs. A program advisor handles resident intake, scoping, and incentive paperwork.
The Hub would offer business and technical support toward high road employment practices — prevailing wage, health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, and training that doesn’t come out of paid hours. We recognize that not every firm meets these standards today, and the program is designed to help contractors move toward them rather than screen them out.
The Hub is designed and not yet funded. We’re building relationships with local contractors now so that work can start quickly once funding is secured.
If you’d like to be on that list, tell us about your firm and we’ll be in touch as things develop.
WHERE THINGS STAND: The Healthy Homes Hub is open. We can connect you with energy bill discounts, free home upgrade programs, and clean energy training available now. We’re still seeking funding for our own installation program for free heat pump water heaters, induction cooktops, solar and repairs.
(Updated September 2026)