MONTGOMERY, Ill., July 20, 2020 — Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity launched a partnership Monday (July 20) with Lake Forest-based Custom Installations, Inc., and GAF to receive free roofing materials and installation on a Habitat duplex under construction at 829-831 Grove St. in Aurora.

Fox Valley realtors are sponsoring the project. Funding is supported by Oxford Bank of Addison and Euclid Insurance Services of Itasca, long-time Fox Valley Habitat supporters.

The installation and materials donations–materials worth $6,346 and labor worth $4,727–are part of a national partnership between GAF and Habitat for Humanity International to match roofing materials donations from GAF with installation services donated by GAF Master Elite® and Certified ™ Contractors in communities across the U.S.

Custom is a contractor providing exterior remodeling services for residential customers. The firm is among more than 4,000 GAF Master Elite® and Certified™ Contractors who are eligible to participate in the partnership. The installed roofs will carry GAF’s System Plus ltd. warranty.

Barbara Zegiel, funds coordinator for Montgomery-based Fox Valley Habitat, said “We are very excited to partner with GAF and Custom Installations. Together we will continue to build affordable housing for local families in need. Thank you for giving back to our community.”

Jim Slauson, vice president of Certified Program and Services at GAF said, “We are thrilled not only to be able to offer this contribution to an organization creating affordable housing , but also to be able to reinforce the efforts of our Master Elite® and Certified™ Contractors as they strive to support the communities in which they live and work.”

Custom owner Sock Woodruff said, “We are pleased to have this chance to work in partnership with Habitat to give back to our neighbors in Aurora. We have a great sense of pride in knowing our work is part of a solution that creates affordable housing with families in your area.”

Habitat began construction on the houses in May. Completion scheduled for spring 2021.

Custom Installations, Inc. is a GAF Master Elite® contractor and a second-generation, family-run business that has served the greater Chicagoland area for over 50 years. GAF, celebrating its 125th year in the industry, has become the largest roofing manufacturer in North America, with sales of nearly $3 billion annually. The company’s products include a comprehensive portfolio of steep-slope and low-slope roofing systems, as well as composite decking, which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors.

GAF’s success is driven by a commitment to provide property owners and specifiers with the best and safest choice in roofing and by helping supportive contractors and distributors to build their businesses and avoid hassles. With a focus on social responsibility, GAF has developed Advanced Protection shingle technology, which provides superior durability and wind resistance, while reducing the use of scarce natural resources.

The company also supports the roofing industry through CARE, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, which has provided education to over 125,000 professionals. CARE’s mission is to help professional contractors and distributors build their businesses through sales and management education, and to provide product and installation training to contractors, distributors, architects, property owners and related industry personnel.

For more information about GAF, visit www.gaf.com.

Founded in 1988, Fox Valley Habitat is a nondenominational Christian housing ministry based at Genesis Community Church in Montgomery. Since its inception, Habitat has partnered with 278 local people and 69 families to obtain housing in the Fox Valley. Habitat partners with residents in need of affordable shelter by building new homes with the recipients contributing a major sweat-equity investment.

Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity is working to eliminate housing inequality stemming from poverty in the Fox Valley area. Habitat builds affordable homes and safer communities through the support and partnerships with churches, civic organizations, corporations, municipalities, community businesses, and area residents. Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and for their families. Homeowners help to build their homes and homes for other families alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.

In addition to offices at Genesis Church, Habitat maintains a warehouse at 250 S. Highland Ave. in Aurora. Fox Valley Habitat is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, an international Christian housing ministry. Volunteers and donors are needed to continue the ministry. Call (630) 206-5038 or visit http://www.chicagolandhabitat.org for more information.

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Al Benson

Freelance Photo-Journalist

Al Benson is an Aurora-based freelance photo-journalist. He is currently an archives research specialist at Aurora University. His work has appeared in The Voice, The Daily Herald, The Beacon-News, and the Chicago Tribune.