With a population of over 2.5 million, Miami-Dade is one of the counties most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The Resilience Pod was originally set to launch in March 2020, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic altered those plans. In a time when resilience was more critical than ever, the Pod adapted by partnering with drive-thru food distribution events to reach the community in new ways. The pandemic also disrupted Miami-Dade County's "Adopt a Tree" program, which typically provides trees to residents. By joining forces, the Resilience Pod distributed fruit trees at the food drives to homeowners, to stay on mission by educating the community on sustainable food sources. Over ten months, this initiative reached all 13 districts of the county.

In April 2021, the Pod officially launched at Zoo Miami during their "Party for the Planet" celebration. For the first time, visitors could step inside the Pod and engage with interactive educational displays. Milkweed and tomato seedlings were also distributed to support pollinator-friendly environments and promote food security.

Now, after more than four years of service, the Resilience Pod has connected with over 500,000 people, offering practical solutions for building resilience. As awareness grows, community members are increasingly sharing personal stories of coping during the pandemic. Many have expressed a newfound or renewed interest in growing their own food, planting gardens and trees, and preparing for future challenges.

If you would like our Resilience Pod to come to your event to help teach about environmental responsibility and resilience, please email pod@ripplesofimpact.org.