GAF Tuscaloosa and Habitat for Humanity Team Up to Support a Local Family

By Wendy Helfenbaum 12-27-2021
QUICK SHARE
Tag Icon

There's an old saying that it takes a village to support a family. In late October, it took 75 volunteers-including many GAF employees-working together with Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa, Alabama to meet one goal: making a family's dream of homeownership come true. The best part? It took just five days.

For the past 10 years, GAF has partnered with Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the United States. Over the years, our partnership has evolved from providing our certified contractors with opportunities to participate in local Habitat builds, to now also providing volunteer opportunities for GAF employees to give a hand up to deserving families. Ever since a catastrophic tornado destroyed a large percentage of Tuscaloosa's affordable homes in 2011, the city has been in desperate need of housing, says Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa, Executive Director Ellen Potts. The organization has built 92 houses and repaired over 400 since the tornado. Meanwhile the team at GAF's Tuscaloosa manufacturing plant, made up of 160 employees, has helped the community by donating roofing materials to more than 100 homes since 2015.

A Team Effort Takes Shape

It usually takes Habitat two or three months to construct a home. However, once or twice a year, the organization hosts a Blitz Build. The team, which included GAF CEO Jim Schnepper and GAF Tuscaloosa Plant Manager Katrina Baker as well as dozens of GAF employees, worked day and night to go from concrete slab to fully built house for local resident Verna Smith and her young granddaughter.

House beams

"They're so excited to become homeowners," says Potts. "We've been so fortunate to enjoy a beautiful partnership with GAF, which not only provided shingles and roofing materials but also a full sponsorship of this home as well as funds for us to purchase 40 lots for future builds."

GAF is committed to building fortified homes to weather future storms and plans to supply materials for at least 35 more Habitat Tuscaloosa projects over the next few years. Potts notes that Build Blitz events raise awareness of Habitat's work in the community, and the speed of the event inspires volunteers to get involved.

GAF Employees Take Center Stage

GAF plant manager Katrina Baker says she was thrilled to celebrate this accomplishment on behalf of GAF and Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa. Contributing to rebuilding neighborhoods where they live and work is a huge morale booster and source of pride for GAF employees as they work alongside local residents to build a new home for a deserving family, she adds.

"It's GAF's purpose to give back in the communities in which we operate, and it's our great privilege to have been able to be by Verna Smith's side along with GAF team members, the many volunteers in Tuscaloosa, and the great Habitat for Humanity coaches like construction manager Brandon Kasteler," says Baker.

Jim and Tuscaloosa volunteets

Left to right: Jim Schnepper, GAF CEO; Verna Smith, homeowner; Katrina Baker, Tuscaloosa Plant Manager; Ellen Potts, Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa Executive Director


Brandon Harris, a GAF Tuscaloosa volunteer, went on to say that they are "Proud to be a part of GAF and happy to give back to the community."

Because affordable housing is difficult to find in Tuscaloosa, Smith has had to move often, and she says she is very grateful to GAF Tuscaloosa and all the employees and local volunteers who showed up and worked tirelessly to help build her new home. Potts says that "We will sell this house to [Smith] at the appraised value through a 0% interest, 30-year mortgage. The average rent in Tuscaloosa for a 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment is more than double what her mortgage will be." With Smith's new 0% interest mortgage, she can make major headway to a safe and secure future.

"For GAF to sponsor my home is a really big deal for me, and I'm so appreciative. It was very humbling to see the CEO from GAF come out and work on the roof alongside the team to make sure my kids and my grandkids have a place they can always call home." She looks forward to hosting her three grown children and six grandchildren-and to having a place to create new memories with them.

GAF has long had a commitment to protect what matters most while supporting neighboring communities. If you're also dedicated to serving your community, consider joining the GAF team.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wendy Helfenbaum is a Montreal-based journalist, content marketing writer and TV producer who covers design, architecture, real estate, gardening and travel for many publications and brands, including Country Gardens, Metropolis Magazine, Realtor.com, Marriott Traveler, Costco Connection, Toll Brothers, PBS NextAvenue.org and many more. Wendy loves keeping up with current design trends and is addicted to home improvement DIY reality shows. Follow her @WendyHelfenbaum.
Don't miss another GAF RoofViews post!
LATEST UPDATES
Getting multiple professionals involved in a commercial roofing project offers a way to capture different perspectives—and to shine a light on some of the industry's hidden complexities—especially when it comes to challenging details like parapet walls.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most widely used roofing materials, providing an elegant yet effective look for homes while also being economical and easy to install. Here is what makes these shingles stand out from other roofing materials.
With an overall industry labor shortage, roofers are in high demand. Those contemplating a career in roofing should consider the training provided by the GAF Roofing Academy, where students can learn the skills and industrial knowledge they need to get started in the industry.
Commercial roof coatings can help extend the life and improve the aesthetics of low-slope roofs. A roof coating acts as the first line of defense against UV damage and water infiltration, and reflective roof coatings can help reduce the temperature of the roof.
GAF Community Matters is hard at work building resilient communities. As part of a $25 million commitment through 2025, GAF has teamed up with nonprofits, partnered with renowned actor Anthony Mackie, and put an increasing emphasis on sustainability and resilience in natural disaster relief efforts.
Your roof is central to your home's exterior aesthetic. Your roof style, shingle type, and color palette all work together with other architectural elements to give your home lasting curb appeal. When a beautiful home's exterior design successfully balances all of these elements, the results will bring satisfaction for years to come.
This blog contains information created by a variety of sources, including internal and third party writers. The opinions and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of GAF. The content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute financial, accounting, tax or legal advice. GAF does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the information. In no event shall GAF be held responsible or liable for errors or omissions in the content or for the results, damages or losses caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on the content.

Interested in sharing or republishing our content? We kindly ask you to adhere to our guidelines.