Whirlpool Corp. announced Habitat for Humanity‘s BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative, an expansion of Habitat’s existing BuildBetter program that will deliver more than 250 climate-resilient and energy-efficient homes to hundreds of Americans in need of affordable housing during the next three years.
The broadened initiative sits at the heart of Whirlpool Corp.’s global corporate social responsibility approach called House + Home, that contributes to comfortable and nurturing places to live and supports resilient, thriving and sustainable communities. Through House + Home, Whirlpool Corp. will support Habitat for Humanity to construct homes designed to better withstand storm winds, natural disasters and other severe weather events that are intensifying.
The homes will provide welcome support for homeowners throughout the U.S. who contend with increasing threats and expensive repairs from natural disasters. They will also help reduce operating costs for homeowners with limited budgets, through an expected improvement in energy efficiency of approximately 15% compared to homes built to current local government code, contributing to a more sustainable future for local communities.
“For 110 years, improving life at home has always been at the heart of our business,” said Jeff Noel, vice president of communications and public affairs at Whirlpool Corp. “It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live—a comfortable, nurturing home is essential for everyone. This initiative continues our long history of leveraging our innovative, quality appliances and philanthropic support to improve life at home for people around the world.”
In addition to enhanced storm-resilient measures, such as secure-and-sealed roof decks, all homeowners under the program will be eligible to choose at least one upgrade that addresses a hazard specific to their state, including enhanced flood or fire defense. Habitat organizations participating in the program will receive technical guidance on construction design and implementation, as well as funding for energy-efficient upgrades.
“Whirlpool Corporation has been a tremendous partner in helping us improve and broaden the ways we can help more families achieve housing stability,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity. “Through the launch of our BuildBetter initiative, Whirlpool’s support will help us accelerate the construction of resilient, energy-efficient homes and can result in greater savings for families. Whirlpool’s dedication to this program will enable the focused research needed to expand sustainable housing to even more communities, helping with neighborhood revitalization and environmental impact.”
Whirlpool Corp. employees are volunteering to help build these homes with Habitat for Humanity. Construction began July 2021.
In addition to the BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative, Whirlpool Corp. and Habitat for Humanity are also collaborating to:
- Provide a range and refrigerator for every new Habitat home built in the U.S. and Canada
- Inaugurate October as Global Build Month, during which Whirlpool Corp. will provide nearly $6 million in funding and home appliances to Habitat organizations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, India, Singapore, Poland and the U.K.
- Host three Habitat global housing forums – in Europe, the Middle East and Africa; Latin America and Caribbean region and the Asia-Pacific region – that bring together the best minds in affordable housing to spur innovation that meets the needs of the planet’s growing population, while addressing increasing challenges related to climate change.
- Help advance the Habitat Cost of Home advocacy campaign, a five-year program through which local Habitat organizations, partners, volunteers and community members across the United States work together to help 10 million people have access to an affordable home.
With the addition of these contributions, Whirlpool Corp. has donated nearly $130 million to Habitat for Humanity International and supported Habitat programs in 45 countries.
