Protecting the homes of those who protect our country

By Emma Peterson. 

The Roof for Heroes initiative meets veterans where they are and helps them rebuild.  

Winter can be a challenging time for anyone, especially those who need roof repairs. These repairs are a necessity to keep those inside the home protected through the challenging weather hazards of the colder months but are too often out of reach of the people who need them. Bill Kelly, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, was worrying about this issue last fall. 

His home’s roof had never been replaced and desperately needed to be. The incoming snow and ice of the winter put more pressure on Bill as these conditions would further damage the roof. He wasn’t sure how he was going to make a roof replacement happen, until Coastal Windows and Exteriors (CWE) heard his story.  

CWE is a woman-owned and family operated remodeling company in Bill’s community. They run an initiative called Roofs for Heroes which recognizes and thanks veterans for their sacrifices and dedication by giving them the help they need. Owner of CWE, Stephanie Vanderbilt told Northshore Magazine, “As our nation struggles to afford housing, heat, food on the table and a roof over one’s head, we started our Roof for Heroes program with the mission: You protect our country, we protect your home.” 

Bill didn’t know how to react, he recalled, “When CWE reached out through the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce and told me I had been selected, I was speechless — a rare thing for anyone who knows me!” That November, CWE came out to his house and replaced the worn roofing using supplies donated by the manufacturer GAF. This is the fourth roof the CWE team has installed for veterans in their community, and they have big plans to keep going! 

The work CWE is doing in their community means a lot to people everywhere. Alexander Tilkens who is the commander at Disabled American Veterans Chapter 84, explained, “Recognizing the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of our veterans, it is paramount that we, as a community, rally together to serve those who have served us. The significance of supporting our veterans extends far beyond mere words of appreciation.” 

Photo credit: Northshore Magazine