In Your Community

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

By Wendy Helfenbaum

December 27, 2021

Hand holding a key in front of a house

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 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.

GAF Tuscaloosa team members at a Habitat for Humanity Build

"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

Contributing to rebuilding neighborhoods where they live and work is a huge morale booster and source of pride for GAF employees. 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."

GAF Tuscaloosa Team Members at a Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build

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 an award-winning journalist based in Montreal. She is an active member in several professional writing and editing organizations and a former board member for the American Society of Journalists & Authors. Wendy writes about architecture, design, construction, DIY, heritage home restoration, gardening, real estate, and other home-related topics. She has covered various aspects of roofing to help educate and inform homeowners and roofing professionals. Wendy's work has appeared in many outlets including AARP, Apartment Therapy, DIY Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, BBC.com, Costco Connection, PBS, and more.

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, or professional design advice as to any particular project. 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. Consult a design professional to ensure the suitability or code compliance of a particular roofing system for any particular structure.