In today’s day and age, it can seem like people care more for themselves than they do for others. Yet, when there’s damage after a storm or other natural disaster, or simply someone in need, it becomes clear that this isn’t the case. Despite how things seem, however busy people may be, they are willing to make time for their neighbors and communities. Neighbors that help with the cleanup process, local contractors donating time and materials, and everyone banding together to help someone in need, especially when it comes to roofing.
The roof plays a major role in shielding your home, so when it becomes worn or damaged, addressing the issue promptly helps maintain your home’s protection. But, it isn’t an easy task on a good day, let alone when someone is going through a difficult time. So, having help makes all the difference.
Community Unity in Albany
In 2023, the Capital Region community of Albany, NY, came together to honor and support one of their own, U.S. Marine Corps vet Freddy Jimenezdejesus. The Albany native is proud of his four years of service to his country, but during the pandemic, he found himself facing a daunting financial situation after both he and his girlfriend lost their jobs. Eventually, they found themselves relying on their savings to make ends meet and unable to afford the roof work they needed.
Yet, when the situation seemed dire, things took a turn as the community came together to honor and thank Freddy, giving him hope by providing him with a brand new roof. In partnership with Owens Corning, Habitat for Humanity Capital District, and other local companies, local company Pinnacle Roofing came together for the collaborative effort. It wasn’t just a new roof that they provided; it was new masonry work for the chimney, a new gutter system, and more.
A Neighborhood Effort
Gwen Maechling has been passionate about construction since she was just 20 years old. By 2014, she worked in Glendale, MO, where she had overseen many roofing projects. On one particular day in February, while working on a project, she saw an elderly couple doing yard work. After offering to help them clear their gutters, she noticed their home required numerous repairs, and declared it “one of the worst homes” she’d ever seen. The roof alone had extensive damage; it was old, showed signs of hail damage, and had several leaks along with rotting soffits and fascia.
The couple, Charles and Jennie Blank, struggled with the home maintenance and didn’t have the money for the repairs. And, due to a lapse in their homeowner’s insurance, they could not claim their deductible. However, Gwen was determined and went online to raise money for the couple to pay their $2,500 deductible. Still, without coverage, there was nothing they could do.
Two years later, while still trying to help the Blanks, Gwen had a breakthrough: a roofing manufacturer was willing to help, providing new roofing and lumber to replace all the rotted areas. That opened the floodgates. An anonymous donor provided new siding and gutter guards, an Albany-based window company’s St. Louis location provided new windows, and the company Gwen worked for at the time, Professional Restoration, donated the time and labor to install the new roof and siding. Even a group of neighbors got involved, helping with the landscaping. After it was all done, the Blanks had a completely new exterior, with a roof and siding to protect them from the elements.
Community and Kindness Make a Difference
Kindness is a powerful thing. Sometimes, people can forget that, but then you hear stories like the ones above, where communities come together in an act of kindness, helping out one of their own, and you’re reminded that it’s not all bad in the world.
No matter what the situation, helping someone in need creates a sense of kindness and generosity. This is especially true when it comes to helping with roof issues, which can be such a costly project. Even the slightest bit of help can make a huge difference and make things easier for the home or property owner.
Lasting Homes and Lasting Bonds
When locals come together to help one of their own with a roof repair, it’s about so much more than the repair. It’s about the strength and resilience of the community and providing the homeowner with lasting shelter and security. That’s why, when it comes to these community projects, the chosen materials tend to reflect those values. They are beautiful and made to stand the test of time, while keeping the homeowner secure. Options like Brava Roofing Tile fit these ideals, offering strength and durability—the same ideals you find within these communities. The added beauty doesn’t hurt either.
