ATLANTA, Nov. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Habitat for Humanity International announced today that Whirlpool Corp. has surpassed the $125 million in-kind donated product milestone to Habitat. Over the lifetime of the relationship, which began in 1999, Whirlpool Corp. has donated more than 241,000 major home appliances to nearly 197,000 Habitat households across the U.S.

"Our long-standing relationship with Habitat for Humanity fits perfectly with our global focus on helping ensure everyone can have a place to live that is comfortable and nurturing," said Pam Klyn, executive vice president of corporate relations and sustainability for Whirlpool Corporation. "It's an honor and a privilege to help support the Habitat for Humanity mission and especially to work together on enhanced programs with a focus on energy efficient appliances which aligns perfectly with Whirlpool Corporation's sustainability efforts."      

According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool, the national average energy burden for low-income households is 8.6%, nearly three times higher than for non-low-income households which is estimated at 3%. Through their relationship, Habitat and Whirlpool Corp. are working together to create energy efficient and sustainable housing solutions in partnership with low-income families. Through the BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative, more than 250 climate-resilient and energy efficient homes are being built across the U.S.

In 2021, Habitat conducted a study to estimate Habitat homeowners' total energy savings and associated cost-savings generated by Whirlpool appliance donations. Across the full Habitat U.S. network, Whirlpool products donated between 2018 and 2020 generated 1.8 million kWh in energy savings per year and 16 million kWh in energy savings over the lifetime of the appliances. This created electric bill savings of $208,000 per year for a total of $1.8 million over the lifetime of the appliances.

"Time and time again over the past 24 years, Whirlpool has demonstrated a commitment that goes above and beyond partnership expectations," said Tolli Love, chief development officer at Habitat for Humanity International. "Whirlpool's sustained support has created meaningful change for nearly 200,000 families around the world. Adding to their impact, Habitat launched BuildBetter with Whirlpool in 2021, with a goal of building homes that are energy-efficient, resilient and sustainable, helping ensure they are affordable generation after generation. We are proud to work alongside Whirlpool and cannot wait to see what we continue to build together."

Since 1999, Whirlpool Corporation has supported Habitat for Humanity's work to build affordable homes and communities in partnership with more than 1 million families across 45 countries. In addition to financial and product donations, Whirlpool currently supports Habitat's BuildBetter with Whirlpool program, the Cost of Home national advocacy campaign and the Latin American and Caribbean Housing Forum. Whirlpool employees around the globe  participate in builds.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in south Georgia. Since its founding in 1976, the Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. 

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International