5 heartwarming stories from roofs around the country

By Emma Peterson.

Check out these stories of local roofing companies doing good in their communities!

News cycles can often feel like an overwhelming barrage of bad news and scary situations, which is why we like to take a break from time to time to celebrate the good that is happening all around us. In this article, we found five stories of members of the roofing industry doing good in their communities. 

1 – Winterset, Iowa

Ryan and Mandy Gainuss had a hard two years after a tornado destroyed their house. With the home in shambles and insurance not offering enough help to get them back on their feet, the family has been living in the little red shed in the backyard for two years. Through that time, they have leaned on their local community to start the process of rebuilding their home.  

When local company Heartland Roofing, Siding and Solar heard about their situation, the couple had a foundation and the bones of a new house in place. They knew they could help, so they jumped in, donating a new roof, free of charge to Ryan and Mandy. Adam Olsen, the owner of Heartland, told KCCI 8 News, “It's really a blessing to us to be able to give back.”

It took Heartland’s 40-person crew just one day to get a new roof on the couple’s home-in progress. Jake Covarrubias, one of Heartland’s project managers, shared, “To be able to give them a little bit of safety in their new roof, that's the least we can do. There's so much more that they need with this. From things you don't think about like doorknobs and light switches... that type of thing. To be able to give a free roof to them is awesome for us.” To the couple, Heartland’s kindness was simply “God’s work.”

2 – Reno, Nevada

Heading West, Mills Roofing honored veterans this fall with a roofing giveaway! Their General Manager Charlie Nguyen explained the reason for the program to KOLO 8 News, saying, “It’s just such a great opportunity to give away to some servicemen and women that are brave and keep us safe and productive here in the United States.” The giveaway included one free roof replacement using top-quality Composition Asphalt shingles and one roof-rejuvenation treatment using Roof Maxx. Charlie explained what this product does, “The rejuvenation spray is an environmentally safe solution that we put on composition shingle roofs to prolong the life of them. It restores the flexibility of the shingle and adds a few extra years to an aging roof.”

The winners were chosen in November 2024, with Jason L. receiving a new roof and Susan O. winning the Roof Maxx treatment. Jeremy Mills, CEO of Mills Roofing shared, “This giveaway is a small token of our gratitude towards those who have served our country. Each application told a powerful story of service and sacrifice, and choosing the recipients was incredibly challenging.”

3 - Mukwonago, Wisconsin

Over in Wisconsin, another deserving veteran received a new roof for free! Owens Corning Roof Deployment Program worked with a local contractor to help Vietnam War veteran John Nelson a new roof. John served for two years and has lived in his Mukwonago home with his wife for over 40 years. The home was originally built over 100 years ago and it was beginning to show. John shared with FOX6 News, “We've had a leak in our roof, we've had squirrels in the house.”  

The gift could not have come at a better time and John and his wife could not have been more grateful for their community's love and kindness. He shared, “When you think about [how this roof is] keeping the rodents out, keeping the rain out, and – another word beside blessing is grateful."

4 – Hampton, Virginia

A few states over, Reitzel Roofing & Exteriors were able to help a U.S. Army veteran in their community with a new roof. They also partnered with The Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project to get the materials needed for the project. This program was started in 2016 and is a national initiative aimed at “showing gratitude and honoring the veterans who served our country and the families who support them." Since that founding, the program has provided the materials for a new roof for over 600 military members and veterans. In addition to working with them for supplies, Reitzel worked with the Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg Habitat for Humanity  

5 – Fargo, North Dakota

Last but not least, Lieutenant Colonial John Nolan was surprised with a new roof! Local contractor Fargo Roofing and Siding chose John as the recipient of their Roofs for Veterans program. This is the fourth year the company has run this program, which accepts nominations for deserving veterans in July. The goal of the program is to “support the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.” Valley News Live reported that “John was incredibly thankful for the new roof over his head.”

Photo credits in order of appearance: FOX6 News, KCC8 News, FOX6 News and 13NewsNow