Rebuilding for resilience
GAF Community Matters is taking on an ambitious initiative in the Gulf Coast region.
Bringing Community Matters to New Orleans with Anthony Mackie
GAF is leveraging its roofing expertise and resources to repair/replace 500 roofs throughout the Gulf Region, starting with 150 roofs in New Orleans’ 7th Ward.
View the press release
View press-
FeaturedTeaming up with a Captain
We've assembled a team to help Gulf Coast Communities build resilience and we're thrilled to have critically acclaimed actor and New Orleans native Anthony Mackie on board. The son of a roofer, Mackie knows the importance of a roof in helping families feel safe and building strong communities. Together with Mackie, GAF is addressing the challenges of disaster recovery and helping residents return home.
-
Preparing for the next storm
For too long, disaster response has prioritized short term support over long term resilience, leaving families unprepared for future challenges - there is no greater example of this than the sea of blue tarps that cover communities in New Orleans. GAF is committing to help reroof homes and accelerate rebuilding efforts in these communities.
-
Building a resilient workforce
Through programs like the GAF Roofing Academy, GAF trains community members in essential roofing skills they can use now and in the future and provides resources to our non-profit partners to employ these individuals as they support rebuilding efforts.
GAF Community Matters Initiative
GAF has partnered with critically acclaimed actor Anthony Mackie to help rebuild communities repeatedly hit by natural disasters and left vulnerable to future crises, starting in Mackie’s hometown of New Orleans. This effort is part of GAF’s commitment to invest $25 million through 2025 in GAF Community Matters to help build more resilient communities across the country.Restoring hope to homeowners
Meet two New Orleans homeowners whose houses we’re helping to restore by providing the essential protection of new or repaired roofs.
Bringing home Mr. Evans
Korean War veteran William Evans Sr. has lived in New Orleans’ 7th Ward for nearly a century. But in 2021, Hurricane Ida forced the proudly independent retired longshoreman to leave his home. Major damage to the roof made the house unsafe. Working together, we’ll bring him home where he belongs.
A safe place for the Barard family
Lifelong 7th Ward resident Larae Barard grew up next to the house she now lives in with her two young children. Sadly, the house suffered intense damage from Hurricane Ida, including a leaky roof and water damage throughout. We’re proud to help ensure their home is safe to live in for years to come.
See our progress on Instagram
As GAF begins its mission in New Orleans, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey to building stronger communities, workforces, and families. Share how you are building resilience in your communities by tagging GAF on social media with #GAFCommunityMatters
Follow us
Strong non-profit partnerships
Click below to learn about the amazing national and local partners working with GAF to address the needs and help build the resiliency of the communities we support.
Be prepared when disaster strikes
Disaster Preparedness: Best Practices for Homeowners
Disasters come in different forms, including severe weather, wildfires, and even health crises such as a global pandemic. Thankfully there are things you can do ahead of time in order to secure your home, protect your family, and recover more quickly in the event of a disaster.
Read article
How to Make a Disaster Preparedness Kit
Having a disaster preparedness kit is a key part of being ready for the unexpected. The American Red Cross recommends having enough supplies on hand to sustain your household for a few days if you are evacuating, or up to two weeks if you are staying in your home.
Learn now
Get involved in your community
GAF offers incredible opportunities to acquire or share the roofing skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the roofing industry and support communities.
GAF Roofing Academy: Start at the top, go even higher
Through tuition-free, hands-on training, GAF provides students with the skills needed to enter the trade and assists in placing them in well-paying jobs upon graduation. In just the past two years, the academy has changed the lives of over 800 participants by giving them new career opportunities.
Take a class
GAF Community Contractor Program: Repairing and preparing
A unique opportunity for our contractors to partner with local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to support communities in need. Through the program, we’re able to help communities fortify or replace roofs and provide education on actionable steps they can take to prepare for future disasters.
Certification page
Explore other exciting ways we’re helping our neighbors
We believe that resilience is the foundation on which we will build thriving, sustainable communities of the future. GAF leverages our expertise, resources, and products in support of the fundamental needs of resilient communities: Shelter, Families, and Workforces.
Community matters