About Whole Homes, Whole Community (WHWC)

Whole Homes, Whole Community (WHWC) was created to address the urgent need for sustainable, energy-efficient housing in Detroit’s 48203 and 48214 zip codes. Birthed out of the legal intervention work by community based organizations Soulardarity and We Want Green Too alongside the Abrams Law Clinic, WHWC was what came out of a long legal battle (and eventually settlement) in DTE’s IRP back in 2022. With the backing and involvement of other strong environmental organizations and with the help of the fiduciary and expertise of Elevate – WHWC is backed by a powerful vision: reducing the energy burden for residents through critical home repairs, weatherization, holistic upgrades, and potential solar installations. Although coming from the $8 million settlement with DTE over 4 years, WHWC is designed not as a short-term initiative but as a long-term movement for healthier, more resilient communities. The program aims to extend well beyond 2025, with goals reaching into 2028 and beyond, fostering a legacy of environmental justice, economic equity, and neighborhood empowerment. Together with residents, contractors, sponsors, and community partners, WHWC is reshaping what sustainable living looks like—one home at a time.