GAF partners with Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa to bring FORTIFIED Roof™ systems to homeowners across West Alabama

This collaboration kicks off with providing a new roof for local veteran.

GAF, North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa to provide a new FORTIFIED Roof™ for a Tuscaloosa veteran. This install kicks off a joint effort between GAF, Habitat Tuscaloosa and Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) to expand access to storm-resilient roofing systems in West Alabama. Through this program, eligible homeowners can access grants to install a FORTIFIED Roof™ system with materials donated by GAF and installed by a GAF Master Elite® contractor.  

The first completed project supports Ms. Evelyn Smith, a retired Army veteran and longtime Tuscaloosa resident, whose home was in need of critical roof replacement for her aging roof following years of wear and tear. “I am so grateful and excited about my new roof,” said Ms. Smith. “I just can’t express how happy I am that I was chosen." 

Through this collaboration, her home now features a FORTIFIED Roof, a nationally recognized roofing method developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to help protect homes from severe weather, including high winds and heavy rain.  

For this project, GAF donated roofing materials and provided additional support to help the home meet FORTIFIED Roof standards, while local GAF-certified contractor Alliance Roofing donated labor for the installation. As part of its nearly 50-year presence in Tuscaloosa, GAF continues to invest in the community through partnerships that help strengthen local homes and neighborhoods including volunteering time and expertise, and donating product. In the last ten years alone, the team at GAF's Tuscaloosa manufacturing plant has produced and donated roofing materials to more than 100 homes. 

“A FORTIFIED Roof can make a meaningful difference for homeowners, and expanding access to that level of protection is critical in communities that frequently face severe weather like Tuscaloosa,” said Mike Thomas, director of external learning & development, storm restoration at GAF. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa to support those in our local community and help make homes across the region more resilient.”  

Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa, administers the application and qualification process for the program, which supports income-eligible homeowners across Tuscaloosa, Pickens, Hale and Greene counties. The initiative focuses on upgrading existing homes with FORTIFIED Roof systems that can help reduce storm damage and may lower insurance costs while increasing home value. 

“GAF has been a terrific partner in this neighborhood for years and their support allows us to extend the impact of this effort and serve more homeowners in need,” said Ellen Potts,  executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa. “Ms. Smith has given so much through her service, and we’re honored to help ensure her home is safe, secure and better prepared for whatever weather comes next.” 

This project is part of GAF Community Matters, GAF’s social impact initiative focused on building resilient communities by leveraging roofing expertise, resources and products to make a positive, lasting difference. Since launching an alliance with IBHS, GAF is helping expand the nationwide network of roofing professionals who can make FORTIFIED Roofs more accessible to homeowners across the country. 

About GAF 

GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, business owners and roofing professionals with its innovative solutions and focus on exceptional service. GAF's leadership extends to its commitment to strengthen its communities and industry through investments in career development, sustainable products and local community resilience. Learn more at www.GAF.com. 

About Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa 

Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa was established in 1987 by Hank Hawkins and has since grown through the dedication of local volunteers and staff committed to expanding access to affordable housing. Following the devastating April 27, 2011, tornado, the need for safe, affordable housing in Tuscaloosa increased significantly. Since then, Habitat Tuscaloosa has built more than 100 homes and completed over 500 repairs, continuing to play a vital role in helping families build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Learn more at www.habitattuscaloosa.org. 

About Strengthen Alabama Homes 

Strengthen Alabama Homes is a program of the Alabama Department of Insurance and provides grants to residents of certain counties in Alabama for residential wind mitigation on existing, owner-occupied, single-family homes. Funding for this program comes from the insurance industry in Alabama and is not funded from the state's general budget, nor is it tied to a federally funded program.  SAH began its partnership with Habitat Tuscaloosa in 2020 to help low to moderate income individuals and families better prepare their homes for severe weather.