Navy veteran gifted $18K roof, ending 15-year struggle

By Jesse Sanchez. 

The Toledo community came together to help Navy vet Willie Howard put a new roof over his head and end his 15-year struggle. 

In a heartwarming tale of community support and generosity, Navy veteran Willie Howard of Toledo, Ohio is finally seeing an end to his 15-year ordeal with a faulty roof. In fact, he is receiving a brand new $18,000 roof free of charge, thanks to a partnership between Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity and Shingle and Metal Roofs. 

“I was struggling trying to get it done on my own and with the position I was in. I wasn’t able to get a loan. I thank Habitat for Humanity for coming through for me,” expressed Willie, reflecting on his long struggle with his roof in an interview with The Blade. 

The collaboration between Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity and Shingle and Metal Roofs is part of the former’s roof replacement program, designed to aid existing homeowners in preserving their residences. Erin McPartland, the executive director of Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity, highlighted the significance of this initiative, especially for seniors and veterans on fixed incomes.  

“For us and for him, this roof is huge. It stabilizes their life. For a lot of homeowners, their home is all they have. If they aren’t able to live in their homes safely, then what else do they really have?” Erin emphasized. 

Chanelle Wright, the owner of Shingle and Metal Roofs, expressed her company’s eagerness to participate in chartable acts, particularly supporting local veterans. “Because there’s people like us that want to help,” she noted in an interview with WTOLL 11, bringing attention to the community’s collective spirit of giving back. 

This inspiring gesture not only underscores the power of community support but also serves as a beacon of hope for individuals like Willie who faced uncertainty and financial restrictions. As Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity celebrates its 500th roof replacement and looks ahead to completing 100 more projects by the end of 2024, the impact of their efforts resonates throughout the community, promising that individuals like Willie have a safe and secure place to call home.