Building More Than a Home: GSG Wind Gives Back in Mendota

For Kyle Rex, helping build a Habitat for Humanity home in his hometown of Mendota, Illinois, is a chance to give back to a community that has given him so much.

Kyle, Plant Manager of LRE’s GSG and Mendota Hills Wind projects, helped spearhead a contribution from LRE and GSG Wind for the project, the first Habitat for Humanity home built in Mendota in 20 years.

The support went beyond a financial contribution. Kyle and GSG Wind Site Lead Cainan Shaddick volunteered on the build, using their LRE Day of Giving to dig a trench around the foundation, move gravel and help set walls.

For Kyle, the experience brought back memories of growing up in the community.

“I grew up here and we had some challenging times,” Kyle said. “I can tell you from personal experience that a little outside support can mean quite a lot. For me, helping with the Habitat for Humanity build is like coming full circle. It’s good to give back what we received.”

Jessica Brayfield, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity LaSalle-Bureau-Putnam Counties, said community support is critical to making projects like this possible.

“There’s a great need in our community for decent, affordable homes,” she said. “The community has been so supportive. LRE and GSG Wind have been so great to us. We don’t know how to thank them enough.”

The home was completed in September and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony later that month.

Habitat for Humanity works with families and communities to build and improve affordable places to call home. The organization does not receive state or federal funding to build its homes, making support from volunteers and community contributors especially important.

About LRE

Founded in Texas in 2003, LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) owns and operates 30+ wind, solar, and energy storage projects totaling over 4 GW nationwide. LRE continues to help meet increased U.S. energy demand through its robust pipeline of new projects every year. We prioritize domestic jobs, local community partnerships, and protecting the land in our long-term approach to meet American energy needs. To learn more, visit www.lreus.com.