Roofers rise to the occasion

By Hannah Ford.

Contractors are building stronger communities by helping others.

There’s no better time of year to give back to the community than around the holidays. For many, this means volunteering or donating to local charities. These contractors have done both by directly giving back to the people who need roofing assistance in their communities. It’s always heartwarming to see how roofers are celebrating everyday heroes in special ways. Enjoy these five stories showcasing contractors spreading joy and compassion to deserving people.

1 – Home Genius Exteriors and Raymond Webb

The U.S. Army veteran Raymond Webb and his wife, a U.S. Marine veteran, had lived in their house since 2012. After his wife’s unfortunate passing last year, Raymond was struggling with the upkeep of his home. "It was getting to that point. I don't know if it had made it through the winter without some severe damage," Raymond told KDKA News. He had received assistance from Habitat for Humanity in the past, but his roof needed a repair. The 30-year-old roof was struggling to keep up with the dropping temperatures and winter weather.  

Home Genius Exteriors stepped up to help in partnership with the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project. In the early mornings the crew spent several hours working on the roof, and Raymond stood outside to watch the team hard at work. "They were already getting started, like, at 7 in the morning and I was like, 'wow,'" Raymond shared. With his home protected and his roof secured, Raymond could rest easily without the burden of worry on his shoulders. "The grandkids and everything will have a nice, sturdy house, for whenever I'm gone, and it's wonderful, and I'm blessed, that's all I could say," Raymond confessed gratefully.

Original image source: KDKA News

2 - Iman Roofing and Carrie Bell

Carrie Bell’s home was over 120 years old when Iman Roofing began their roof replacement project. Her home needed a new roof, but at 82 years old, Carrie couldn’t do it all by herself. The cost of replacement was too high so with the Iman Helps Foundation, created by Sulieman Mumin, the owner of both the foundation and Iman Roofing, they paid for her new roof. “I’m so thankful. I’m looking at this and you just don’t know my heart is just boom, boom, boom,” Carrie shared with Fox 8. “I’m enjoying every minute of it and I’m seeing it, I needed it and it’s here. That means I’m still in the process of thanking the good lord sending me the right thing to do.” As one of the first black women licensed contractors in Cleveland, she knew all too well the hard work and effort that went into her roof replacement.  

The Iman Helps Foundation is dedicated to helping seniors and disabled low-income homeowners maintain their homes. They replace or repair the roofs free of charge to help those in need stay warm and dry. “I come across a lot of homeowners that are seniors, they will pay for a repair, or they will want a repair because that’s all they can afford even though the roof may be far beyond a repair, you know.” Sulieman said. “So, we saw the need that our seniors had, you know, being on a fixed income and that nature and so as far as giving away a free roof replacement.”

Original image source: Fox 8

3 – Legacy Roofing and Louis Paul Martinez

Out of 100 entries for a Michigan roofing company’s veterans roof giveaway earlier this year, Louis Paul Martinez was the lucky recipient. Louis was completely surprised after being nominated by a neighbor for Legacy Roofing’s annual giveaway. His house had several broken rafters and extensive rotting wood. The roof replacement came just in time to keep out the winter cold. "I don't have to worry about it,” Louis said to Fox 17. “You know, now that I'm retired, I'm on a fixed income, it's very much appreciated.” The roof replacement came just in time to keep out the winter cold.  

This is the second year in a row that Legacy Roofing has held this roof giveaway. One veteran receives a brand-new roof free of charge, which has saved these veterans thousands of dollars. “My whole family was veterans, my grandfather, my brothers, and finally, to be in a position in my life where I'm able to give back thanks to, you know, a lot of great customers through Legacy, it's just been a real blessing to be able to still give back," shared Jeremy Strotheide, the owner of Legacy Roofing.  

Original image source: Fox 17

4 – Escalante Roofing and Danny De La Torre

In partnership with Escalante Roofing, Purple Heart Homes and Owens Corning, Danny De La Torre was the recipient of a new roof for his home. As an Army veteran living in El Paso, Texas, he was eligible to participate in a local company’s veteran program, designed to give back to those who served through home repairs. Escalante Roofing, in partnership with Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project and Purple Heart Homes, came to Danny’s house to provide his home with a sturdy new roof replacement.

Original image source: KTSM

5 – Housetops for Heros and Frank Douglas

Putting up a new roof takes significant effort and financial resources. When Frank Douglas got a call from his insurance, telling him he needed a new roof, he didn’t have the resources for the replacement, as, after showing signs of dementia, Frank lost all of his retirement savings. “My dad is in his 80’s, a lifetime Jacksonville native,” Anthony Douglas, Frank’s son, told News 4 JAX. “He unfortunately became the victim of the scammers. It was definitely devastating to, you know, look him in the eye and tell him ‘nothings left dad.’”

Luckily, The Fraternal Order of Police was there to help. Their program, Housetops for Heroes, provides military and first responders with roofs for no charge. This had a huge impact when Frank was selected. “It’s just been a huge blessing,” Anthony shared.  When asked about what he did when he found out about the new roof, he shared, “I had to pull the van to the side of the road, but you know, it was a lot.”  

Original image source: News 4 JAX