The exci
tement is palpable at this year’s Whirlpool Blitz Build as we embark on a transformative journey to construct a home with Angelique and her four children. This incredible initiative is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Whirlpool Corporation, in partnership with the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and the Kelley Institute for Social Impact (KISI).
At Habitat, we aim to expand affordable housing opportunities by partnering with people in our community. Whirlpool’s support is invaluable in helping us achieve this mission. In Monroe County alone, Whirlpool has sponsored 14 homes, including Angelique’s. Their commitment extends further through their generous donation of energy-efficient appliances to all Habitat homes built in the United States and Canada. Over the past 25 years, Whirlpool has provided more than 200,000 of these appliances, ensuring that families enjoy modern conveniences while also benefiting from environmentally friendly solutions.
Whirlpool’s commitment to Habitat was reaffirmed through the BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative launched in 2021. This program has made a significant impact over the past three years, completing more than 260 energy-efficient and hazard-resilient homes across 31 U.S. states and 8 disaster recovery communities. The BuildBetter program aims to deliver an average of 45% predicted energy cost savings per family compared to traditional code-built homes, along with a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This means families like Angelique’s can look forward to lower utility bills and a smaller environmental footprint, all while having a safe and stable place to call home.
This collaboration fosters hands-on involvement from the Indiana University Bloomington campus community, as well. With several current and retired executive leaders as alumni—especially from the IU Kelley School of Business—this partnership is deeply rooted. Each year for the Whirlpool Blitz Build, students and community members affiliated with the Kelley School join us on the construction site three days a week for three weeks, greatly accelerating our progress. Since 2010, over 3,000 students, faculty, staff, and alumni have come together for this meaningful initiative in Monroe County. Their enthusiasm and dedication are helping us lay the foundation—both literally and figuratively—for Angelique’s future. We are immensely grateful to each one of them for being an integral part of this partnership and process!
Friday, October 18, was particularly special as staff from Whirlpool came to Monroe County to work alongside volunteers from Kelley, Habitat for Humanity International, and Schneider Electric. Their willingness to roll up their sleeves and engage in the building process illustrates their commitment to making a tangible impact in our community. Witnessing the direct results of their sponsorship not only deepens their connection to this partnership but also inspires all of us involved.
Angelique’s story is a testament to empowerment and hope. She is thrilled at the prospect of her family finally having a place to call their own—a home that not only meets their immediate needs but also offers the long-term benefits of energy efficiency and sustainability.
As the BuildBetter program progresses, it presents an unprecedented opportunity to amplify its impact and continue transforming lives. We extend our immense gratitude to Whirlpool Corporation and the IU Kelley School of Business for their ongoing support and commitment to our mission. Together, we are not just constructing a house; we are building a home and fulfilling Angelique’s dream of homeownership.
To everyone involved in this year’s Whirlpool Blitz Build, thank you for being a part of this legacy! As we continue to work together, we look forward to seeing the joy that a safe and stable home will bring to Angelique and her children.
