More than peace of mind

By Jenny Yu.  

A Navy veteran and retired florist receives a free roof replacement. 

After years with a leaking roof, Glen Erickson, a Navy veteran and retired florist living in Medford, Oregon, was running out of options. His insurance company threatened to cancel his home insurance due to the condition of his roof, but he wasn't sure how he would come up with the funds for a replacement. Glen considered low-interest loan programs and even selling his home, but, thankfully, Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity was able to provide another option: a roof, free of charge. A solution that was made possible through Owens Corning’s Roof Deployment Project and free labor from Pressure Point Roofing.  

“This time of year, when it’s hot, the last thing our crew wants to do is go out on a Saturday, on their day off, and do what they do Monday through Friday,” Matt Stone, owner of Pressure Point Roofing, told the Rogue Valley Times. “It was not mandatory. We just put it out there and had everyone from office staff to field workers show up to help with tearing off the roof.” 

Over twenty Pressure Point employees donated their time and labor, and all materials were donated by Owens Corning. The total cost of a project like this, according to Matt, would have been between $25,000-$30,000. Glen was moved by their generosity and shared his reactions.  

“I don’t think they realize what this means,” Glen stated. “Not only does it give you peace of mind that you don’t have to worry about it leaking, things like that, but in my case… I had to either put a new roof on or I’d have had to sell the house. I’ve been out of the service for 50 years, but to still be recognized for what I did back then, it was just a good feeling.” 

Glen’s roof was Pressure Point Roofing’s first time participating in Owens Corning’s Roof Deployment Project, but it may not be their last. 

“To be able to help a veteran who has given of their time and who was willing to give their life for their country,” Matt offered, “there’s not much of a question whether we do it or not.”