SAN ANTONIO, Texas–When you’re homeless, getting off the streets is hard enough and dreams of living in comfort and dignity can seem far out of reach.
But working together with Austin-based nonprofit Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. is turning that dream into a reality for more people lifted off the streets in the Central Texas region. Friedrich has made a massive donation of 30 ductless heating and cooling systems to support the second development phase of the Community First! Village, a program of Mobile Loaves & Fishes which helps provide sustainable shelter and community support for nearly 300 residents.
Community First! homes include tiny 175-square-foot homes and RVs, which are equipped with electricity, but not HVAC capacity–until now. With Austin’s blistering summer temperatures and winter cold snaps that can sometimes dip into the teens, finding an efficient heating and cooling solution was top priority for the nonprofit organization in order to provide safe, effective comfort for its occupants no matter what the season.
Friedrich responded with a donation of 30 Floating Air Series Ductless Split Systems that provide heating and cooling comfort and convenience year-round, and can be installed without ductwork, simplifying the installation process. Friedrich’s Floating Air Series offers the latest in inverter technology innovation, which quietly varies the compressor and indoor fan speeds to smoothly and quickly adjust to the desired temperature automatically, helping maximize energy efficiency which will help control operating costs over the long run.
Installation of the Floating Air Series systems in the Community First! homes is taking place this month, with the support of Johnstone Supply, a major wholesaler of Friedrich, and Mobile Loaves & Fishes volunteers. The work is being done in coordination with Restaurant Facilities Management Association (RFMA), a trade association that is spearheading a major volunteer project benefiting Mobile Loaves & Fishes.
“The donation of A/C’s from Friedrich is tremendous. The neighbors at Mobile Loaves & Fishes are so thankful to have conditioned air to help them cope and restore their dignity and pride. This makes all the difference in the world and they are very grateful,” said Jeff Dover, RFMA’s facilities resource manager.
While Friedrich has contributed essential A/C solutions ranging from ductless systems to state-of-the-art room A/Cs to a number of worthy causes in recent years, this is one of the largest single donations made to date by the company. The Loaves and Fishes effort is in partnership with the Restaurant Facility Management Association who first approached Friedrich, in addition to Johnstone Supply.
“Helping support our community and those in need has always been core to our corporate values,” said Chuck Campbell, CEO of Friedrich. “Our A/C solutions help bring comfort and relief to thousands of people each and every day, and we’re proud to partner together with organizations like Loaves & Fishes who are working to make a real difference for people in need in our own home state.”
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