Shingles for Shelter – A free roof for someone in need

Every year during the holiday season in December, C&L Ward gives a special gift to a Michigan homeowner in need – the gift of shelter. For those who are unable to afford much-needed roof replacement, C&L Ward has stepped up and is providing a brand-new asphalt roof — complete with installation — free of charge. “We understand that roofing impacts everyone’s security and well-being, yet it can be an expensive process for many families,” said Patrick Ward, President at C&L Ward. “We are proud of our community and want to do our part to ensure that we can give someone the critical protection of a safe and reliable roof.”

What is the Shingles for Shelter program?

The program started in 2014 as a “Giving Back to the Community” initiative. The program is one of many community involvement programs of C&L Ward. The process for Shingles for Shelter is very simple – there is an entry form where people can nominate themselves or someone they know, who they feel is in need and deserving of a new roof. The nomination requires information about the nominee, their story and photos or videos of the current condition of the roof. “It’s heartbreaking to read the entries. Most often, it is extremely difficult to pick a winner among the nominees”, said John Sheick, Marketing Director at C&L Ward. “We pick a top 3 and then share the stories with the leadership to select the final winner.”

“Most of the time, the contenders are not aware they have been nominated,” said Sheick. “We arrange with a family member or neighbor of the winner and then show up unannounced at their residence with balloons and a giant check to make their day. It’s such a heartwarming experience to see their joy over an unexpected new roof.”

The gift of shelter for someone in need

The winner gets a complete roof replacement. This year’s winner gets a Owens Corning roofing system installation. If there is water damage, the roof decking is replaced, and any other problem areas are fixed before installation starts. “The maximum cost we stick to is $30,000, and we have done projects of all sizes and conditions,” said Yaz Ladha, Creative Director at C&L Ward. “This year, ABC Supply Co. inc. and GFL Environmental have partnered with us and will donate all of the shingles for the new roof and the dumpster for the installation.”

This year’s winner stood out.

The winner of the seventh Shingles for Shelter is Steve Jewell from Clarkston. “While we usually find it difficult to select a person from the nominees, this year, the winner stood out,” said Ward. “Steve’s story is heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. He has been dealt hard blows one after the other in his life and yet bounces back by sheer determination.” Steve was nominated by his neighbor Denise Harris who says that Steve’s strength and positive attitude are amazing when faced with tragedy, heartbreak, and adverse situations. The nominations for this year were opened in November end, and the winner was announced in December. The roof will be installed in the spring of 2023.

Do you know anyone in need who should get a new roof over their home but can’t afford it? Keep watching this page when the nominations open later this year. Know more about our community involvement programs here.