Hotel INC transitional home gets new HVAC system through community donation
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A Bowling Green nonprofit is getting a new heating and air-conditioning system at one of its transitional homes, just days before a family is expected to move in.
The home, located on South Sunrise Drive, is operated by HOTEL INC as part of its transitional housing program. The program helps people working toward permanent housing by providing a safe place to live while they work on budgeting, stability and becoming prepared to be long-term renters.
Rebecca Troxell, director of operations for HOTEL INC, said having a safe and comfortable home is an important part of that process.
“We want people to come into a place that looks nice and welcoming and like home,” Troxell said.
The HVAC system at the home was about 15 years old and was due for replacement. Troxell said replacing it would have cost the nonprofit about $15,000, a significant expense for an organization with a limited budget.
“As a nonprofit, you know, our budget is always really tight,” Troxell said. “So coming up with the money that it would cost to get a new unit is always very difficult.”
The replacement is being made possible through Lennox’s Feel the Love program. Lennox is donating the equipment, while Bowling Green-based iComfort Hurt Mechanical is donating the labor to install the complete system.
Samantha Fortner, co-owner and director of operations at iComfort Hurt Mechanical, said the company was excited to bring the program to Bowling Green.
“It just feels good when you help people in need,” Fortner said.
Crews removed the old HVAC system Wednesday and installed the new system, including a new thermostat and other components. The installation was expected to take most of the day.
Chad Fortner, co-owner and president of iComfort Hurt Mechanical, said giving back is especially meaningful because the company has deep roots in Bowling Green.
“I’ve been doing HVAC for 27 years here in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and I like providing to the community,” Fortner said. “And it feels good to be able to do this.”
For HOTEL INC, the donation also means money that would have gone toward the HVAC system can instead be used to help other families and individuals.
Troxell said those funds can support direct services, including educational programs, help obtaining documentation, assistance with moving into housing and deposits for people transitioning into permanent housing.
“That means we can continue using funds for direct services,” Troxell said.
The family expected to move into the home has not moved in yet, but Troxell said the new system will give them a more comfortable and reliable place to live.
The Feel the Love program began in 2009 and has helped thousands of families, according to iComfort Hurt Mechanical. The Fortners said they hope to participate in the program again in the future.
For HOTEL INC, the impact of the donation is expected to continue beyond the family moving into the home.
Troxell said the goal is to provide people with a safe place to gain stability and eventually move into permanent housing.
People who want to support HOTEL INC can volunteer with the organization. Troxell said those interested can visit hotelincbg.com or call 270-782-1263 to ask about volunteer opportunities.
