Waco Organization Replacing 12-18 Roofs for Free

By Lauren White, RCS Assistant Editor.

Low-income and disadvantaged families receive free roof replacements from this generous organization.

Roofs in Waco, Texas have been hit hard by severe rain, hail and high heat.  For this charitable organization, it doesn’t matter what damage was done to the roof or if their clients can’t pay for repairs, Grassroots Community Development will replace their roofs free of charge. 

This year, the organization has enough funds to replace worn and damaged roofs on 12 to 18 homes of low-income and disadvantaged families, according to Executive Director Mike Stone.  To qualify for a free roof replacement, “The homes have to be your homestead, where you live, and they must be in the city of Waco,” Mike said in an interview with Waco Tribune-Herald.

The local office of Associated General Contractors of America reported, “...The city of Waco issued 202 roofing permits between July 1 and Thursday [mid September], almost double the 111 issued during the same period last year.”

Typically, more roofs are replaced than repaired by Grassroots.  Mike shared, “Clients get new decking if the existing layer is damaged or missing, plus underlayment, the roof itself and metal flashing.”  Grassroots has a group of contractors to bid on replacing roofs, however, the organization is always searching for others to help out, especially local contractors and crews.

While the main focus of Grassroots is to replace roofs, the organization also works with the city of Waco and various nonprofits to address other problems with homes besides damaged roofs.  “We’re not going to put a roof on a home that is in desperate need of other repairs, and those who make home repairs are not going to spend time and expense fixing up a place with a bad roof,” Mike said.  “It all starts with the roof...If it leaks, the interior rots.”

Grassroots helps with home repairs and new construction as well.  “Crews have built 65 homes, primarily in north Waco, and have made major repairs to 17 older homes.  It receives grant funding and private donations,” shared M.L. Dickey, construction supervisor.

Severe roof damage and empty bank accounts can’t deter Grassroots from replacing roofs for those in need and providing families with safe and dry homes.

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.