Assurant, CNH & Habitat Partner to Build Homes for Wisconsin Families
Assurant, Inc., through the Assurant Foundation, and CNH, a global leader in equipment, technology, and services, have once again joined hands with Habitat for Humanity of Racine & Kenosha Counties to bring the dream of homeownership closer to two deserving families in Racine, Wisconsin. This marks the third consecutive year of collaboration among the three organizations, continuing a growing tradition of service and commitment that has already transformed lives and neighborhoods. With the addition of these two new homes, the partnership will have helped build six homes for local families since 2021, a milestone that underscores the shared vision of creating stronger and more sustainable communities.
A Commitment Beyond Brick and Mortar
The latest project, announced and initiated last week, saw Assurant and CNH mobilize a group of 20 volunteers to contribute to the construction process. The volunteers rolled up their sleeves, contributing labor, energy, and enthusiasm as they worked side by side with Habitat staff and future homeowners. For the families who will eventually move into these houses, the impact will go far beyond shelter. Homeownership represents stability, independence, and a chance to build generational wealth – outcomes that resonate strongly in a community like Racine where safe and affordable housing is in high demand.
The initiative is not only about constructing physical homes but also about revitalizing neighborhoods. New homes spark community pride, encourage additional investment, and provide a sense of belonging for residents. For local employers such as CNH, which maintains a significant presence in Racine, these efforts strengthen the social and economic fabric of the region by fostering stable neighborhoods where employees and their families can thrive.
Assurant’s Longstanding Partnership with Habitat for Humanity
Assurant’s collaboration with Habitat for Humanity goes back to 2018, when the Assurant Foundation began supporting the nonprofit’s efforts to address the nationwide housing crisis. Over the years, Assurant has contributed more than $1.4 million to Habitat chapters across the United States, empowering local affiliates to build affordable homes in communities of need. This financial commitment is reinforced by the active involvement of Assurant employees, who collectively contributed over 2,000 volunteer hours in 2024 alone.
For Assurant, the partnership reflects its broader mission of investing in communities where employees live and work. The company’s approach goes beyond philanthropy by fostering direct employee engagement, thereby creating opportunities for individuals to see firsthand the difference their contributions make. According to company leaders, this hands-on involvement helps employees feel deeply connected to the values of service, empathy, and responsibility that define Assurant’s culture.
“Habitat for Humanity of Racine & Kenosha Counties is a valued partner of the Assurant Foundation, and we’re always proud to volunteer alongside our clients to create meaningful impact,” said Mike Medeiros, Vice President of Commercial Equipment at Assurant. “Joining forces with CNH amplifies our ability to support families who are working hard to create a better future. The initiative reflects both companies’ long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities where we live and work, and I look forward to future collaboration.”
CNH: Building Communities Alongside Homes
For CNH, a company that designs and manufactures world-class agricultural and construction equipment, the partnership is equally significant. As a major employer in Racine, CNH has deep ties to the community and recognizes that its employees and customers are directly impacted by the wellbeing of the area.
“We’re proud to witness the incredible difference Habitat for Humanity affiliates make in the communities they serve – especially here in Racine, home to so many of our employees,” said Jeremy Engelhardt, Director of Sales and Marketing for CNH Capital. “Partnering with Assurant has been an important part of our shared mission to help families achieve strength, stability, and independence through safe, affordable housing. Together, we’re not just building homes, we’re building more resilient neighborhoods and creating opportunities that will benefit the community for generations to come.”
By leveraging its local workforce and resources, CNH reinforces the idea that corporations can serve as catalysts for sustainable development. The company views these collaborations as investments not only in physical infrastructure but in social cohesion, resilience, and long-term prosperity for Racine families.
Habitat for Humanity: Turning Partnerships into Possibilities
At the heart of this initiative is Habitat for Humanity of Racine & Kenosha Counties, the nonprofit that has long served as a bridge between families in need of affordable housing and the volunteers and donors who make it possible. The organization works closely with prospective homeowners, who also commit their own “sweat equity” by contributing hundreds of hours of labor on the construction of their homes and those of their neighbors. This approach ensures that Habitat projects are not acts of charity, but rather partnerships built on mutual effort, dignity, and respect.
“Assurant and CNH have been committed and valuable partners to our local chapter for many years,” said Rex Hamilton, Director of Development and Communications at Habitat for Humanity of Racine & Kenosha Counties. “The broad support both companies provide plays a significant role in our efforts to build homes and create thriving communities. We are proud to have them as partners and look forward to helping even more families build affordable and sustainable housing in the local area.”
Hamilton also emphasized the importance of volunteerism in making these projects possible. “On average, homes in Racine are completed within 10-11 months. Approximately 70% of each home is volunteer-built, and in 2024, just shy of 4,000 volunteer hours were given on our build sites. Our goal is to have these first two Herrick Village homes completed in June 2026,” he added.
Broader Impact: A Model of Corporate-Community Partnership
The Assurant-CNH-Habitat collaboration in Racine represents a model of how corporations, nonprofits, and communities can work together to address pressing social challenges. By combining financial investment, employee volunteerism, and nonprofit expertise, the partnership maximizes impact while ensuring sustainability.
For the families who will soon move into the two new homes, the results will be life-changing: affordable mortgages, safe living environments, and the chance to put down roots in a stable neighborhood. For Racine, the benefits extend to stronger communities, revitalized neighborhoods, and enhanced economic opportunity. For Assurant and CNH, the collaboration demonstrates the value of aligning corporate resources with community needs in ways that deliver tangible and lasting impact.
