Massachusetts Veteran Gets Financial Help For His New Roof

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

Local organizations and programs step up to provide financial assistance for this veteran’s roof. 

When former Army National Guard veteran Frank learned he would get help with a loan for his new roof, he was thrilled. “It’s a homerun for me,” he told WWLP News. The 78-year-old from Ludlow, Massachusetts had been struggling financially after his business shut down due to the pandemic. 

After being honorably discharged, Frank took over his father’s restaurant “Frank’s Diner.” However, the restaurant unfortunately had to close its doors because of the pandemic. Since then, Frank has been struggling financially from this and because of his own heart issues as well. When his roof started to leak, handling the costs of replacing it was the last thing he needed. 

Thankfully, Frank has been able to purchase a new roof through the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity with some financial help from their Home Preservation Program. This program provides homeowners with micro-loans to help out with home repairs. Frank’s roof was replaced by Roberts Roof, Inc. who has a partnership with the program. 

Brian Blanchette, vice president of operations at Roberts Roofs, told WWLB, “This is our first project with Habitat and we’d like to do more in the future. We’re all for supporting its mission and we want to do whatever we can.” 

Deborah O’ Mara, family services manager for Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, stated that Frank and his family are so grateful for the help he has received. “Frank’s children and their families come to visit often and now they can do so knowing their father’s home is well protected from the elements,” she told WWLB. 

Do you know of someone in the industry who is ‘doing good deeds’ in their community? Help us catch them at it. Send news and information to info@rooferscoffeeshop.com. 

Photo Credit: WWLB