Veterans lend a hand to build Habitat for Humanity home

By Dani Sheehan. 

GAF is dedicated to building resilience in communities, supporting workforce development and fostering sustainable practices by installing roofs for families in need of affordable housing. 

On May 2, 2024, local team members from GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, collaborated with Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity to build a new home for a deserving family. More than a dozen veterans from GAF’s Burgaw facility arrived early with enthusiasm and determination to help Habitat for Humanity staff build trusses for the roof of a new home for a mother of two. 

The homeowner to be, Latiful, is eager for the stability and permanence she will be able to provide her family and is excited to witness her children creating memories in their new backyard. Construction on the home is expected to be completed by November, with Latiful closing on her new home by the end of the year. 

The GAF volunteers, comprising of veterans from diverse backgrounds and service branches, have collectively dedicated between five months and 22 years at GAF. These volunteers are part of Veteran Involvement Brings Excellence (VIBE), an employee resource group at GAF focused on leveraging the unique skills and camaraderie of veteran employees to make a significant impact on local communities and within their company. 

In a recent announcement, David Inman, senior HR partner at GAF and retired Marine, shared, “It’s inspiring to see how [our veteran employees’] dedication to service continues to positively impact our community, and I’m proud to be a part of it.” 

Steve Boehling, general manager at GAF’s Burgaw facility, also participated in the build. He added, “As a company, we value the opportunity to give back, but I was personally moved to volunteer alongside veteran employees in honor of my father who volunteered and served in the United States Marine Corps in WWII. His dedication to our country inspires me to contribute to causes that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.” 

This initiative is part of GAF’s broader social impact program, GAF Community Matters, which is focused on making a positive difference as neighbors and partners in the community by leveraging roofing expertise, resources, and products to help build resilient communities. By contributing to projects like Habitat for Humanity builds, GAF not only enhances the quality of life for families in need but also strengthens community bonds, demonstrating the company’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development. 

Read the full announcement for more information about Habitat for Humanity and GAF’s social impact initiatives.