EUSTIS, Fla. – After years of struggling with roof leaks and ongoing concerns heading into hurricane season, a Lake County veteran and his family are finally getting a fresh start — thanks to a community-driven initiative honoring those who’ve served.
Jerry Himes, a U.S. Army veteran, and his wife Vania have lived in their Eustis home for over 20 years. On Friday, their roof was fully replaced as part of the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project, a nationwide effort that provides free roof replacements for military veterans in need.
“We were very excited and really we couldn’t believe that it was going to happen for us,” Vania Himes said. “That would be a foot forward for us to really start making our house look a little better.”
The roof replacement was made possible through a partnership between Scott’s Roofing, a third-generation, family-owned contracto, and Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, which nominated the Himes family for the program. Owens Corning donated the materials, while Scott’s Roofing provided the labor.
“It will mean no water leaks. We’ve had a few of those,” Vania Himes said. “So it will be great to know we don’t have to listen for where the next drip is at.”
Dave Haugen, program coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, said the project is part of a broader mission to serve veterans in the region.
“Today we are serving a veteran in the community who is in need of a roof,” Haugen said. “We’ve partnered with Owens Corning and Scott’s Roofing to make that happen.”
The moment was especially emotional for Vania Himes, who reflected on her husband’s continued sacrifice for their family and community.
“He’s really a great guy. He still sacrifices every day for us, his family,” she said.
This marks the second time Scott’s Roofing has participated in the national initiative.
“Giving back to the veterans that gave to us, and to our community, that’s even bigger,” said Tyler Scott, owner of Scott’s Roofing. “There’s so many people that need help.”
Since launching in 2016, the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project has helped nearly 700 veterans nationwide. Jason Moody, area sales manager for Owens Corning, said it’s one of the most meaningful parts of his work.
“Nobody replaces a roof just for fun… it’s one of the most expensive home projects you can have,” Moody said. “To be able to help a veteran with a roof that was leaking, it’s amazing.”
The Himes family, who have raised seven children in the home, now say they can finally enjoy peace of mind, knowing their home is safe and their community stands with them.
For more information on the Roof Deployment Project, visit owenscorning.com/roofdeployment.