Beacon of Hope provides new roof and renewed hope for Pittsburgh military family

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Renewed hope blossoms as Beacon of Hope initiative gifts new roof to this Pittsburgh military family, showcasing the transformative impact of community support. 

In the heart of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, a ray of hope shone brightly for the Hika family as they received a new roof through Beacon Building Product’s Beacon of Hope initiative. This annual program, now in its fifth year, awards new roofs to deserving veterans and their families. This year, the honor went to Ashley Hika and her family, bringing much-needed relief and joy to their New Kensington home. 

For Ashley, a National Guard member who lives with her mother and veteran father, the new roof couldn’t have come at a better time. “We did have some leaks in our third-floor attic,” her mother Cheryl shared. “And then also in the bathroom downstairs and in our breakfast nook. A couple of years ago, we had some estimates and I about choked. So then I said, 'We'll just wait, because we can't afford it.'” 

The Beacon of Hope initiative, which partners with local companies to provide these life-changing home improvements, made a significant impact on the Hika family. Ashley’s father, Dan, a disabled Navy veteran, was particularly moved by the gift. “I was actually in tears yesterday,” said Ashley. “Before his accident, he was a handyman, and he did some roofing on the side. Just to see him so happy and out here talking with the roofer guys – he's just like a kid in a candy shop.” 

The project was brought to Ashley’s attention by a co-worker at EZ Home Exteriors, where she works. “It was actually our production manager who was like, 'Hey, this might be a good opportunity for you,’” Ashley recounted. “I had talked to them a little bit about the struggles of taking care of my dad and I have had to help support my mom. So, this program was just something that they were like, 'You'd be great for this. You are a veteran, you meet all the qualifications,' and they helped me put together the essay that I had to submit, and we ended up winning.” 

The new roof is more than just a structural upgrade; it's a symbol of appreciation and support for a family that has given so much. The Beacon of Hope initiative highlights the importance of community and the profound impact that a single act of kindness can have on the lives of veterans and their families. 

For the Hikas, this new roof marks a fresh start and a testament to the power of community support. As Ashley continues her service with the National Guard, she does so with the peace of mind that her family at home is safe and secure, thanks to the generosity and dedication of the Beacon of Hope initiative and its partners. 

Photo credit: KDKA News