Veterans Receive New Roofs Through Habitat Progam

July, 2023, Freehold NJ: SRS Distribution/National Building Supply and USA Building Maintenance Inc. have partnered with Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County (HFHMC) to provide two new roofs, completely free of charge, for Veterans in Monmouth County. The projects are part of a Veterans Build/L.I.F.T. program, a collaboration between Coastal Habitat and HFHMC, providing home repairs at no cost to eligible Veterans in Monmouth County.

SRS Distribution Inc., (“SRS”) a leader in the building products distribution industry, donated the roofing materials for both roofs while USA Building Maintenance Inc., a family-owned elite commercial roofing company operating in NJ, (5) Boroughs in NY, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, provided the expert installation teams who removed old roof shingles, replaced damaged plywood, and installed the new roofs.

The widow of US Navy Veteran, Robert P. Walsh, was one of the roof recipients. Mr. Walsh served in the US Navy from 1951 - 1955. After he left the Navy, Robert commuted into NYC for work right up until his death at the age of 72. Marianne still lives in the house where she and her husband raised their seven children. The new roof was desperately needed and Mrs Wash told us, “Receiving this new roof has given me such a sense of relief; I felt all the stress leave my body when it was done. The contractors were so kind; it was a wonderful experience.”

United States Army Veteran, Paul, also received a new roof. Paul lives with his wife Janice and their dog, Luther in Long Branch. The home has needed a new roof for some time and they are thrilled to be a recipient of this program. Paul served in the US Army from 1966 to 1972 during the Vietnam War. Paul was a radio operator and received the National Defense Service Medal.

Thanks to the generosity of these local businesses these Veteran-owned homes will have secure roofs for many years to come.

Greg Serevetas, President of family-owned USA Building Maintenance said “We are honored to be able to give back to our community in this way. We feel it is important that we support our veterans and their families, we are so grateful we could help.”

Athena Thanos, Events Coordinator/Service Administrator at USA Building Maintenance Inc. added, “ We are so grateful to be able to be a part of putting this all together with Habitat and SRS. We are proud to be Americans, where at least we know we're free. And we won’t forget the men and women who died, who gave that right to us.”

Jonelle Gallo, Assistant Branch Manager of National Building Supply-Ramsey, told us “Our commitment to veterans and our military runs strong and deep at SRS. We believe the best way to give back to our communities is to draw upon our company’s unique business culture: Make money, have fun, and give back! Linking the skills and passions of our employees with philanthropy and taking our responsibility of being a good corporate citizen to heart.’

“With the cost of a new roof out of reach for the majority of Veterans on a low or fixed income, we could not be more grateful to these local businesses for their generosity. To be able to help two Veteran families in our community in just one week is incredible," said Diane Kinnane, Executive Director of HFHMC. "Habitat Monmouth is proud to work alongside organizations that share our vision and passion for affordable housing solutions.”

Roof repairs or replacements are provided on a special project basis to eligible Veterans and are subject to the availability of materials and installation services.

For more information about Veterans Build/L.I.F.T. or to learn more about how you can get involved with Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County, visit their website at https://www.habitatmonmouth.org or contact Marianne at mherring@habitatmonmouth.org or call 732-728-0441, ext. 311.

Homeowner applications are still being accepted for the single-family home currently being built on Ideal Ave in Middletown. Construction on a house in Fair Haven is planned for later this year. For information on homeowner applications please contact Marianne at mherring@habitatmonmouth.org or call 732-728-0441, ext. 311.