Senior Living Community Powers Resilience with Solar Hub

PORTLAND, OR – November 19, 2025

As the Pacific Northwest faces increasing climate-related risks and the potential for major seismic events, RoseVilla, a non-profit Life Plan Community in Portland, Oregon, has unveiled a groundbreaking solution to bolster its resilience. The community recently launched the ‘ROSE Port’ – a solar-powered, earthquake-resilient hub designed to provide backup power, water purification, and EV charging for its residents during extended outages. This initiative positions RoseVilla as a leader in proactive disaster preparedness within the senior living sector.

A Growing Need for Senior Resilience

The vulnerability of seniors to climate change and natural disasters is a growing concern. Extended power outages, extreme heat waves, and increasingly frequent storms can have devastating consequences for this population, particularly those with underlying health conditions. Traditional emergency preparedness measures often fall short in providing the sustained support needed to protect residents during prolonged disruptions. “We recognized the need to move beyond simply having a generator,” explained a spokesperson for RoseVilla. “We needed a system that could provide reliable power, clean water, and support essential services for an extended period, while also withstanding a major earthquake.”

The ROSE Port addresses these concerns with a comprehensive approach that goes beyond basic emergency power. The facility features a 17.82kW solar array coupled with a 30kWh battery, providing a sustainable and reliable power source. The system is designed to power essential systems within the community, ensuring residents have access to critical services during outages. Beyond power, the ROSE Port incorporates a 3,100-gallon rainwater cistern and purification system, providing a crucial source of potable water when municipal supplies are disrupted. The entire facility is engineered to meet Risk Category 4 seismic standards, ensuring its structural integrity and functionality even in the event of a major earthquake.

Beyond Backup Power: A Holistic Approach

What sets the ROSE Port apart is its integrated approach to resilience. It’s not just about keeping the lights on; it’s about creating a self-sufficient ecosystem that can support the well-being of residents during extended emergencies. The facility also includes EV charging stations, encouraging sustainable transportation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. “We wanted to create a truly holistic resilience solution,” noted a RoseVilla resident involved in the project. “It’s about not just surviving an emergency, but maintaining a sense of normalcy and quality of life.”

RoseVilla’s commitment to resident engagement is also central to its resilience strategy. The community’s ‘Green Team’ and ‘Ready Force Team’ actively involve residents in sustainability initiatives and emergency preparedness efforts. The Ready Force Team conducts regular drills, maintains emergency supplies, and provides support to neighbors during drills and potential emergencies. This level of resident involvement fosters a strong sense of community and collective responsibility. “The residents are the heart of our resilience efforts,” explained a RoseVilla representative. “Their passion, expertise, and commitment are essential to our success.”

Can This Model Be Replicated?

While the ROSE Port represents a significant investment, RoseVilla hopes its model can be replicated by other senior living communities facing similar challenges. The project’s success hinges on several factors, including access to funding, favorable regulatory environments, and strong community partnerships. The initial cost of implementing a similar system can be substantial, but long-term benefits – including reduced energy costs, increased resilience, and enhanced resident well-being – can outweigh the initial investment.

RoseVilla’s leaders have been transparent about the project’s costs, sharing data with other organizations interested in implementing similar solutions. They are also advocating for policies that support resilient infrastructure and promote sustainable energy development. While the community has not publicly disclosed the precise cost of the ROSE Port project, they emphasize that access to funding and grants played a crucial role in its implementation. The project’s success also relies on a collaborative approach, involving architects, engineers, contractors, and community stakeholders. While many senior communities have emergency generators, few have integrated systems combining solar power, water purification, and earthquake-resistant design. “We see this as a model for the future of senior living,” stated a RoseVilla spokesperson. “It’s about creating communities that are not only comfortable and supportive, but also resilient and sustainable.”