Kelley Institute Begins House Build in Bloomington
The school partners with Habitat for Humanity to build a new home for a local family.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Kelley Institute for Social Impact has launched construction on a new home for Ricardo and Ana Andrea Hernandez in Bloomington. This project marks the 16th year of collaboration between the institute and Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County.
Why it matters
The program provides a pathway to homeownership for local residents through a low-cost mortgage model. Participants like the Hernandez family qualify by demonstrating need, showing the ability to make payments, and completing a service requirement.
Since the partnership began in 2010, more than 3,500 Indiana University students, faculty, and staff have contributed to the effort. Recipients are required to complete 250 hours of volunteer work, often referred to as sweat equity.
The players
Kelley Institute for Social Impact
This is an academic unit at Indiana University that focuses on integrating social responsibility and community service into the business curriculum.
Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County
This local nonprofit organization works to eliminate substandard housing by building and renovating simple, decent, and affordable houses.
Whirlpool Corporation
This is a global manufacturer and marketer of home appliances that frequently partners with housing nonprofits to provide goods for new constructions.
Ricardo and Ana Andrea Hernandez
They are the local residents selected as the recipients of the new home in Bloomington.
The details
The home is being built through a collaboration involving the Kelley Institute, Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, and the Whirlpool Corporation. Families in this program must meet specific criteria regarding need and the capacity to fulfill a low-cost mortgage agreement.
Timeline
The partnership between the Kelley Institute and Habitat for Humanity began in 2010.
Construction on the current house began on October 10, 2026.
The construction project is scheduled to finish on October 24, 2026.
Market Landscape
This project follows a pattern set by the 16-year partnership between the Kelley Institute and Habitat for Humanity. The collaboration reflects an ongoing trend of academic and corporate institutions aligning with local nonprofits to address regional housing shortages.
The program offers a tangible route to homeownership for eligible families through low-cost mortgages. Residents should note that participation in such initiatives requires a significant commitment of 250 volunteer hours to meet equity requirements.
The takeaway
Homeownership programs often require a mix of financial planning and direct sweat equity from applicants. Families interested in similar programs should prepare by documenting their service history and financial records.
What happens next
The house construction project is scheduled to reach completion on October 24, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by browsing the Philanthropy section.
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