SAN ANTONIO, Texas–Homeless families in Rochester, N.Y., will get additional relief this season, thanks to a generous donation from Friedrich Air Conditioning Company.
Friedrich has partnered with its local Rochester distributor, Johnstone Supply, to provide Friedrich Chill room air conditioning units for 11 homes owned and managed by Tempro, a Rochester-based nonprofit organization that builds housing for homeless families. Tempro homes are leased by Monroe County and the county’s Department of Social Services places families in need in the homes. Tempro provides the furnished homes with the aid of a social worker to help these families through the transition of homelessness to more permanent housing.
Tempro provides temporary housing assistance to approximately 140 homeless families and without support from Friedrich, the organization would not have been able to afford to cool the homes and ensure the comfort of those it serves during the hot weather season.
“For homeless families working to get back on their feet, finding safe, temporary housing is challenging and stressful enough without also enduring the hot weather season with no relief,” said Tempro President Jerry Zakalik. “That’s why we are so grateful for this very generous donation and service to our community.”
Already, contractors have installed one of the Friedrich Chill units in the first Tempro home, and the remaining 10 will be installed in the other residences in the coming weeks. In addition to the value of providing all the product, delivery and support at no cost, Friedrich’s Chill units also are ENERGY STAR-qualified, which will help save money on energy and long-term operational costs. Other benefits of the Friedrich Chill line include powerful and quiet operation and environmentally sustainable features, such as R32 refrigerant with low Global Warming Potential.
As a father from one of the families living in a home where a new Chill unit was recently installed said, “It means so much to us to have a place to stay while we go through this challenge. To know someone really cares and is even installing air conditioners is just awesome.”
As a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of air conditioners and other home environment products, Friedrich has a strong track record of giving back to local communities and causes, and the donation to Tempro marks the second major donation the company has made this season. In April, Friedrich donated and installed a ductless split air conditioning system in an orphanage near Piedra Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, where without cooling, indoor temperatures can spike up to a sweltering 120 degrees.
“We’re proud to serve the community in this way and know that our products are providing great relief for those in need,” said Wink Chapman, vice president of sales and marketing for Friedrich. “It’s also fantastic to be able work with strong partners, like our Johnstone Supply distributor in the Rochester area, who share our commitment to support local communities.”
About Friedrich Air Conditioning Co.
Founded in 1883, Friedrich has manufactured room air conditioners since 1952. Friedrich is a leading manufacturer of air conditioners and other home environment products. Constructed of the highest quality components, Friedrich products are built to exacting standards and are among the quietest, most highly featured and most energy-efficient available. For more information, visit www.friedrich.com
About Johnstone Supply
Johnstone Supply is a nationwide, member-owned buying cooperative for HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration) equipment and supplies. Johnstone distributes parts and equipment to HVACR contractors and to facilities maintenance staffs. Each member store is independently owned and operated.
About Tempro
Tempro Development Company is a 501c3 organization formed in 1971 by Temple B’rith Kodesh with the mission to build housing for homeless people in Monroe County, N.Y. Operated by a local United Way agency, “The Housing Council,” Tempro has built and owns 11 furnished homes that are leased to local homeless families, providing them with temporary residence.
