In these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, roofing contractors are showing what they’re made of by helping their communities.
Typically, stories of roofing contractors giving back involve providing free roofing services to those in need, such as to veterans, charitable organizations or homeowners in difficult financial spots. But in a time where social distancing and “shelter-in-place” orders are the norm, roofers have found different ways to help.
In South Hadley, Mass., Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding is coordinating efforts among other contractors to donate N95 respirator masks and protective eyewear to Baystate Health. The masks are designed to stop airborne particles from being inhaled, helping protect contractors who are sanding, painting, installing drywall or taking part in other construction activities. The N95 masks can be re-purposed to help protect healthcare workers from COVID-19, which is a respiratory disease.
Due to the panic over COVID-19, people have been buying and hoarding masks from stores and online suppliers, making it difficult for healthcare facilities to provide masks to their staff as their supplies run short.
“I am sending an urgent plea to our brotherhood of local contractors to please donate any new inventory you have," Adam Quenneville told masslive.com. “Together we can fight this virus by taking care of the healthcare providers who need protection.”
Mary Persaud of Baystate Health told masslive.com that Baystate Health is grateful for the effort.
“Words cannot express how thankful we are to have the support of local contractors to donate their inventory ... at this critical time,” she said.
Vice President Mike Pence has asked the construction industry to donate N95 masks to local hospitals if they are able to do so, and to not place new orders for masks at this time.
Delivering Good News and Groceries
Masks aren’t the only way roofing contractors are helping. In Redding, Calif., CBX Roofs told ABC-affiliated KRCR that its fleet of workers is providing free grocery delivery services to anyone who may be stuck at home due to the coronavirus.
Troy Romney, co-owner of CBX Roofs, said the idea came from his crew of 10 employees.
“They came up with the idea to get involved with the community. Since they are all on the clock, we figured we might as well help out the community and do whatever we can,” Romney told KRCR.
Romney said his company has only been in the Redding community for a year, but said the community has treated CBX Roofs well, so the company wants to return the favor. The workers are taking a break from roofing to deliver groceries to the front doors of residents.
To deliver groceries, the roofers are using gloves and masks from their inventory to keep the employees and their customers safe. They are delivering groceries on Mondays through Fridays, and accept cash or check upon delivery. No delivery fee is charged.
"Our guys, they are ecstatic to be out there, they are having a good time," said Romney.
If you have a story about helping your community during the COVID-19 pandemic, contact RC Managing Editor Chris Gray at 248-244-6498 or grayc@bnpmedia.com.
