Empowering Homeownership: Building with Habitat for Humanity's Whirlpool Initiative
Habitat for Humanity's BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative has once again made a significant impact by providing a deserving family with not just a home but also a fresh perspective. This program is an extension of Habitat's existing BuildBetter initiative, aiming to construct more than 250 climate-resilient and energy-efficient homes over the course of three years. Through this effort, countless families in need of affordable housing will benefit. One such family is Jessica's, whose journey to homeownership was not without its challenges, but she firmly believes that it will bring positive change to her and her son's lives.
For the past few years, Jessica has been residing with her grandmother in Berthoud, Colorado. While this arrangement allowed her to support her grandmother, save money on rent, and create some stability, it also meant sharing a room with her nine-year-old son, Eliot. The limited space made it difficult for them to comfortably accommodate all their belongings.
Dreaming of independence, Jessica found herself discouraged by the state of the housing market, believing that homeownership was beyond her reach. However, a friend who had been approved for a Habitat home encouraged Jessica to apply for the Habitat for Humanity Berthoud's home ownership program. Initially skeptical, Jessica hesitated due to self-doubt, but her friend's unwavering support pushed her to take the leap.
Her application was accepted in the fall of 2021, and she wholeheartedly engaged in financial and homeowner education classes while dedicating significant effort to complete her sweat equity hours at the Habitat ReStore. She not only assisted the store's team and customers but also contributed to the construction of her own home as well as her new neighbor's, helping them prepare for their move-in.
Jessica's new two-bedroom, two-bathroom home boasts modern features designed to promote energy efficiency. With an on-demand gas hot water heater, a high efficiency gas furnace, and above-code insulation in the walls and ceiling, the house is Energy Star rated. Furthermore, Whirlpool Corporation generously donated an energy-efficient refrigerator and range, following their practice of supporting every Habitat-built home in North America.
Jessica's hard work, dedication, and the support of organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Whirlpool have opened the door to a brighter future for her and her son. Through BuildBetter with Whirlpool, many more families like Jessica's will continue to experience life-changing transformations as they secure safe and sustainable homes.
Jessica found the process of building her own home incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing the house come to life from the ground up was a rare opportunity that not many people get to experience, making it one of the most gratifying feelings she has ever known. With dedication and hard work, she poured her heart and soul into the construction, and she gladly admits she would do it all over again without hesitation.
Through this journey of homeownership, Jessica has not only gained a place to call her own but also a newfound sense of self-assurance. The experience has instilled in her a deep sense of confidence, knowing that she was able to overcome challenges and achieve such a significant milestone in her life.
“I now see that I am worthy of this blessing. I have worked so hard to make this dream a reality. It’s such a great feeling to know that I set out to achieve this goal and I am actually making it happen. I have also gained so much confidence in myself.”
“My world has changed in more ways than one,” she said. “Aside from being able to actually have a house of my own and achieving my dream to raise my son in Berthoud, I now have so much hope for the future.”
For the past few years, Jessica has been residing with her grandmother in Berthoud, Colorado. While this arrangement allowed her to support her grandmother, save money on rent, and create some stability, it also meant sharing a room with her nine-year-old son, Eliot. The limited space made it difficult for them to comfortably accommodate all their belongings.
Dreaming of independence, Jessica found herself discouraged by the state of the housing market, believing that homeownership was beyond her reach. However, a friend who had been approved for a Habitat home encouraged Jessica to apply for the Habitat for Humanity Berthoud's home ownership program. Initially skeptical, Jessica hesitated due to self-doubt, but her friend's unwavering support pushed her to take the leap.
Her application was accepted in the fall of 2021, and she wholeheartedly engaged in financial and homeowner education classes while dedicating significant effort to complete her sweat equity hours at the Habitat ReStore. She not only assisted the store's team and customers but also contributed to the construction of her own home as well as her new neighbor's, helping them prepare for their move-in.
Jessica's new two-bedroom, two-bathroom home boasts modern features designed to promote energy efficiency. With an on-demand gas hot water heater, a high efficiency gas furnace, and above-code insulation in the walls and ceiling, the house is Energy Star rated. Furthermore, Whirlpool Corporation generously donated an energy-efficient refrigerator and range, following their practice of supporting every Habitat-built home in North America.
Jessica's hard work, dedication, and the support of organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Whirlpool have opened the door to a brighter future for her and her son. Through BuildBetter with Whirlpool, many more families like Jessica's will continue to experience life-changing transformations as they secure safe and sustainable homes.
Jessica found the process of building her own home incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing the house come to life from the ground up was a rare opportunity that not many people get to experience, making it one of the most gratifying feelings she has ever known. With dedication and hard work, she poured her heart and soul into the construction, and she gladly admits she would do it all over again without hesitation.
Through this journey of homeownership, Jessica has not only gained a place to call her own but also a newfound sense of self-assurance. The experience has instilled in her a deep sense of confidence, knowing that she was able to overcome challenges and achieve such a significant milestone in her life.
“I now see that I am worthy of this blessing. I have worked so hard to make this dream a reality. It’s such a great feeling to know that I set out to achieve this goal and I am actually making it happen. I have also gained so much confidence in myself.”
“My world has changed in more ways than one,” she said. “Aside from being able to actually have a house of my own and achieving my dream to raise my son in Berthoud, I now have so much hope for the future.”
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