CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

'I can't say thank you enough': Wilmington veteran receives new roof for his Habitat home

Star-News - 4/12/2021

Apr. 13—U.S. Army veteran Kevin Hughes has seen two blessings in as many days.

On Sunday, his third grandchild was born. And Monday morning, Hughes stood back and watched as a new roof was installed on his Habitat For Humanity home off Gordon Road in Wilmington.

Hughes and his wife, Kathy, are part of the first Cape Fear Habitat For Humanity Veterans Build home in Wilmington. The estimated closing date for their home is August.

Hughes served in the Army from 1969-87 and emphasized how humbled he is for the opportunity. He was amazed how "people have donated money, they have donated time in the middle of a pandemic to take care of old veterans like me."

Hughes and his wife currently live in a garage apartment. The stairs have been difficult on his injured hips and knees. The new one-level home with bathrooms assure better accessibility and will make his life much easier.

The new roof was a result of several businesses and nonprofits working together. The roof was donated by Covenant Roofing and Construction Inc. to Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Veterans Build, as part of the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project. The Owens Corning Foundation donated the roofing materials and Covenant Roofing and Construction Inc. donated the labor.

"It's our honor to partner with Habitat For Humanity and Owens Corning to give peace of mind to these folks who have supported us and our country," said Stephany Connelly, director of Business Development for Covenant Holdings.

The Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project is a nationwide effort to honor the veterans and the families who support them. Since the inception of the program in 2016, more than 250 military members have received new roofs.

Hughes, who will turn 70 in September, is excited to have the extra bedrooms so his daughters and grandchildren will now have a place to stay when they visit.

"I will have a house with my wife Kathy and I to live in that's comfortable, new, and won't need any upkeep for probably most of my life and all because other people cared and I can't say thank you enough," Hughes said.

___

(c)2021 the Star-News (Wilmington, N.C.)

Visit the Star-News (Wilmington, N.C.) at www.starnewsonline.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.