EATON — Greenville Operations employees from Whirlpool Corp. recently volunteered at the first Habitat for Humanity build in the area.
Whirlpool Corp. was a sponsor of the build, and provided an energy efficient refrigerator and stove in the home.
“One of the core values Whirlpool Corporation has is to be able to help the community and the folks in the community,” said Ken Hossler, Plant Leader Greenville Operations. “It’s great to be part of this first build in our own backyard, putting aside the time and resources to support our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. It feels good when helping others – not only as a person but also as a company.”
In more than 16 years of partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Whirlpool has developed active programs in more than 45 countries with a commitment of more than $90 million.
In the United States and Canada, the company has donated more than 168,000 stoves and refrigerators to new Habitat homes, serving more than 85,000 families. Additionally, Whirlpool has donated more than 41,000 products to Habitat ReStore retail outlests, helping raise nearly $5.7 million.
The company has engaged thousands of employee volunteers, sponsored nearly 150 homes and donated products to more than 75,000 Habitat families around the globe.
“At Whirlpool Corporation, we’re committed to making moments that matter and through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity, we’re able to do just that by helping families achieve their dreams of home ownership,” said Juliet Johnson, Whirlpool Corporation Global Corporate Communications. “We’re proud to celebrate 16 years in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. It’s not only important to our company globally and nationally, but also to our employees right here in Greenville.”
The most recent build as at 213 S. Cherry St., in Eaton, with partner family Deb Chasteen and her sons.
The family has always lived in Preble County. Deb and her twin sister are the youngest of eight children who grew up in a 900-square-foot home.
Deb has three sons. The oldest, Caleb Nelson, is out on his own, but Silas Nelson and Benny Brock are at home. Silas just graduated high school and is attending Indiana University East in the fall, majoring in English. He will live at home and commute. Benny is in eighth grade and is very musical. The new home will allow him the room to have a real piano.
Deb has served on the library board and the historical society board, where she was secretary. She currently is on the Mental Health and Recovery Board and is employed by Free 2 BU Residential Services, serving the MRDD population.
Deb was unemployed for a while and briefly homeless after making some poor choices in her life. She was able to find help with her addiction and appropriate housing through the Mental Health and Recovery Board.
Deb’s son Benny has ADHD, Tourette’s and OCD, as well as a significant sleep disorder.
