October 27, 2002 – Benton Township, Mich. – Although moving days are weeks away, Harbor Habitat for Humanity® on Saturday dedicated its two newest homes and formally introduced the new owners. Whirlpool Corp. and Whirlpool employees sponsored the homes at 886 North Shore Drive and 135 Hazel St., which will be completed in November. "We are looking for a way to give people a hand up, not a handout," Whirlpool's Jeff Terry said at the dedication. He is the company's Habitat program manager. A Whirlpool employee donated land for the North Shore home. Employees hosted a fund-raiser on Memorial Day, which garnered more than $25,000 to add to funds donated by the Whirlpool Foundation, said Daniel Wiiki, Harbor Habitat's executive director. Wiiki said Harbor Habitat chooses sites for reasons beyond availability. "We look for a location where we can make a strategic difference in the community," he said. "We look for areas where the residents want to improve the neighborhood. And we encourage that." Wiiki said families chosen to own Harbor Habitat homes must meet several qualifications. First, anyone interested comes to a seminar where the criteria are explained and discussed. Second, residents are screened based on their current housing situation. "These families must have a need for a home," Wiiki said. "The current housing has to be substandard." In addition, families must not qualify for housing through other means, and they must have the ability to pay for the home. "We want to see regular income, as well as a desire to get ahead," Wiiki said. Rishonda Davis, soon to own the North Shore home, said she is excited to move in with her seven children. Davis, who works at Radix in St. Joseph, has four girls and three boys ranging from 4 to 16. She and her children live on Pavone Street in Benton Harbor. She said her neighborhood can be dangerous. "Someone is always trying to break in," she said. "We've had a lot of people try to get in." She said the area just isn't safe for her children. Davis was trying to buy a home when she saw a flier for the Harbor Habitat for Humanity® seminar. She applied in August of 2001 and was accepted for the home several months later. She said she has gotten a lot out of the Harbor Habitat experience. "I learned how to put up siding. I helped put up the deck and the paneling," she said. "I also helped dig out the yard for the landscaping." Davis said this will truly be her house. "You get to pick out your own things," she said. "It really helps make it your own home." Her home should be finished in two weeks. Walter and Alison Brace, along with their two children, will be in the home at 135 Hazel St. Harbor Habitat President Mike Green said the Braces sign papers next week. The Braces were involved the home's design and construction. The Brace family lives in the Eau Claire area. Walter Brace works at Leco Corp., and the family attends church in St. Joseph. Whirlpool's dedication and commitment to Habitat for Humanity® extends nationwide, said Ted Dosch, vice president of finance, North America. Dosch said Whirlpool has committed to Habitat for Humanity® International a new refrigerator and range for every Habitat home built in North America. "Even though this region is a focal point," he said, "we want our efforts to go beyond the Twin City area." Terry said Whirlpool has donated its two greatest assets to Habitat for Humanity®. "The first asset is our product," he said. "They serve as a foundation for the home. We have donated over 46,500 appliances nationwide, so far." He said the second asset Whirlpool donates is a work force. "This program allows our employees to come out in an active way and improve and grow their community," Terry said. "Our employee commitment exceeds the level of financial commitment." Terry said the partnership between Whirlpool and Habitat for Humanity® was natural. "The vision of Habitat for Humanity is for every person to have an affordable home," he said. "This partners well with Whirlpool's vision of every home. Our products, our appliances allow people to manage their home more efficiently and affordably." > back
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