GCWEP’s primary initiative is the Water Champions Program.

Modeled after the success of the Cleveland Climate Ambassadors, the goal of the Water Champions program is to connect with residents on water investments and programs.

Water Champions are community members who conduct outreach and education in vulnerable communities; sharing information on water investments and programs and listening to community perspectives on water management decisions. Water Champions receive training in water systems and utility programs so they can help the community understand water systems and answer residents’ questions about utility bills, water quality, cost savings programs, and more.

Perhaps more importantly, the champions undergo equal training in advocacy and consensus-building so they can voice community concerns back to the utilities. This enables them to enhance the utilities’ understanding of community needs. The program is designed so that water champions co-create additional programming to deepen community engagement.

The program is funded by Cleveland Water, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Cleveland Foundation, and Community West Foundation and administered by CHN Housing Partners. It is currently in a two-year pilot phase focused on the neighborhoods of Clark-Fulton, Slavic Village, and Buckeye-Shaker.