Wise Window Hub Partners with Habitat for Humanity to Bring High-Performance Windows to Affordable Housing

Spotlight on Dean Monke for Habitat for Humanity | Fergus Falls, MN 

The Wise Window Hub is proud to support Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the Midwest as they integrate high-performance windows into the homes they build. In Fergus Falls, Minnesota, that partnership has been made even stronger thanks to the dedication of volunteers, like Dean Monke.

Smart Building Practices Meets Community Commitment

Dean Monke has been a core part of the local Habitat build crew for over seven years, showing up wherever an extra set of hands is needed, from laying concrete to installing siding and painting interiors. Recently, Dean helped install triple-pane, ENERGY STAR® certified windows for the first time through a Habitat build that partnered with the Wise Window Hub.

“These windows felt incredibly solid,” Dean said. “The weight and sturdiness were noticeable. You could tell they were a higher-quality product and it made me confident in their long-term performance.” 

While Dean doesn’t have a professional background in construction, his story highlights how accessible high-performance window installation can be with the right support. Habitat’s construction managers provide on-site training tailored to volunteers’ skill levels, and the Wise Window Hub’s tools help partners confidently select, source, and install efficient window products.

Community Dedication Meets Smart Building Practices

“Anyone can be trained to install these if they follow the steps,” Dean said. “It’s all about getting a good seal and being careful with the handling. Triple-pane windows are heavier, but the process is the same."

Dean’s experience installing triple-pane windows with Habitat has turned him into a strong advocate for using them in affordable housing. “I’d absolutely recommend them. It’ll be exciting to compare the energy performance between these homes and others down the line. If the savings are there, it makes a strong case for doing this more often.” Based on ENERGY STAR consumer price research, and expected average service life of 36 years, high-performance windows repay their initial cost to upgrade.

The Wise Window Hub’s collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Fergus Falls, and committed volunteers like Dean, demonstrates what’s possible when high-performance building products meet community-driven construction. Together, we’re building homes that are not only affordable today, but comfortable and cost-effective for years to come.

Dean’s experience installing triple-pane windows with Habitat has turned him into a strong advocate for using them in affordable housing. “I’d absolutely recommend them. It’ll be exciting to compare the energy performance between these homes and others down the line. If the savings are there, it makes a strong case for doing this more often.”

The Wise Window Hub’s collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Fergus Falls, and committed volunteers like Dean, demonstrates what’s possible when high-performance building products meet community-driven construction. Together, we’re building homes that are not only affordable today, but comfortable and cost-effective for years to come.

The Wise Window Hub Takeaway

The Wise Window Hub’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity empowers volunteers, regardless of professional background, to confidently install high-performance, triple-pane windows. With on-site training and durable, energy-efficient products, folks can build affordable homes with lower long-term utility costs for homeowners. Champions like Dean Monke show how combining community dedication with smart building practices leads to lasting benefits.

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