Raising the roof for community members in need

By Hannah Ford. 

These acts of kindness from local roofing companies to support the people in their communities will make your day.  

In three heartwarming demonstrations, roofers from around the country donated their time and resources to members of their communities. These outstanding roofing companies are dedicated to their mission to uplift their neighbors who have faced difficult circumstances. Whether it was in response to storm damage or to reward the hard work of a deserving person, these contractors have saved many the strife and stress of having to replace a roof on their own.   

1 - Smith Builders and George Newhall

George Newhall of Bangor, Maine, needed a new roof. He had served diligently in the military during WWII and is an active member of his community. The 95-year-old veteran’s dedication to his community and country was noticed by the team from Smith Builders, a local roofing company. Thanks to their generosity, George received a new roof for free. “It’s a great service that we’re happy to provide, it helps give back to those that served our country and your roof is really the foundation of the structure of your home. If you have a leaky roof, it can cause more problems down the line. So, we’re happy to provide and save the veteran a significant expense,” said Devoe, the Smith Builders marketing and media manager to WABI 5. 

Smith Builders teamed up with GAF, who donated resources, and the Maine Veterans Project to give George his free roof. This partnership started in 2023 as a part of the Roofs for Heros Installation. Four veterans are nominated each year for a new roof with the help of this project. “It’s no secret right now that everything’s more expensive. People are barely able to afford groceries when it comes down to something big like a roof. I think programs like this are absolutely vital for those people that wouldn’t otherwise be able to do it,” shared Doc Goodwin, the Maine Veterans Project president. “With regards to mental health. It’s amazing to see the smiles on these folks faces when they see that this gift has been given and the difference it’ll make in their lives.”  

Photo source: WABI 5 

2 - Priority Roofing and Yolanda Garcia

After a devastating tornado outbreak, Yolanda Garcia’s roof was in desperate need of repairs, having sustained severe damage after the tornados that ravaged Central Texas. As the widowed wife of a veteran, Yolanda was surprised to find herself the recipient of a free new roof through a local roofing company’s generosity.  The team at Priority Roofing was moved by her story. 

No Roof Left Behind was the program Priority Roofing used to help Yolanda with her roof “This program really helps the community out in so many different ways. It is a program established for homeowners like the Garcias with an incredible story behind it,” explained Christian Ramirez, a Priority Roofing contractor. 

While struggling with her roof, Yolanda’s husband passed away during COVID. Priority Roofing wanted to do everything they could to support her during a sorrowful time. “I just want to honor them and the sacrifices they made for our country,” said Micah McQueen, the vice president of Priority Roofing. “She is a widow of a veteran. When we heard this story it really just brought tears to our eyes.” 

“I was just told this morning they were coming to inspect my roof,” Yolanda told . “And I said, ‘Okay, that’s fine.' And then they’re telling me, ‘No, you’re getting a new roof today,’ and I was just amazed.” Yolanda was shocked and grateful for the contributions Priority Roofing had made.News Nation. “And I said, ‘Okay, that’s fine.' And then they’re telling me, ‘No, you’re getting a new roof today,’ and I was just amazed.” Yolanda was shocked and grateful for the contributions Priority Roofing had made. 

Photo source: News Nation 

3 - Flying Colors Roofing LLC and Sherman Animal Welfare Society

The roof of the New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society in New Fairfield, Connecticut had not been replaced in over 30 years and was in desperate need of renovation. A local company, Flying Colors Roofing LLC, wished to help out and donated a free roof to the organization.  

Their team worked vigorously over the course of two days until it was complete, donating new gutters and downspouts for a complete renovation. “It’s unbelievable how thoughtful and caring that company is,” Agi Pace, the president and director of New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society, told News Time. “What a donation – that’s incredible.” 

Photo source: News Time 

Nominate a candidate 

With help from the Roofs Over Heros project, SunRise Roofing awards one free roof for a veteran in need each year. This year, SunRise Roofing is looking for a candidate and accepting nominations. The nominee must be a veteran in need, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, have a shingle roof and live in a residential home not for sale.  

SunRise Roofing was established in 2015 and since then has been searching for ways to give back to the community. In 2020, they joined the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce to promote small businesses. Larry Price, the general manager of SunRise Roofing, told New Mexico Living  that this campaign was a way of saying “thank you” to veterans.  

 Photo source: New Mexico Living