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    New Year, New Roof Giveaway 2021

    Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island

    Thank You for Helping Give a Deserving Homeowner a FREE GAF Roofing System!

    Maybe it’s a friend whose job was impacted by COVID-19 or a neighbor who is overwhelmed with medical expenses. Perhaps it’s a single parent struggling to make ends meet. Each year, we search for folks who have selflessly served others but now find themselves in a position of need. Thanks to a partnership between Care Free Homes and GAF Roofing, we just celebrated our 6th annual roof giveaway. 

     Here’s how it worked:

    1. Members of the community nominated a homeowner in the New Year, New Roof service area. They shared the nominee’s personal story, challenges, and why they deserve to win a free roof.
    2. Care Free Homes reviewed nominations and selected five finalists.
    3. The community voted online to choose the winner of a GAF Timberline HDZ Roofing System.

    Watch our latest surprise reveal and stay tuned for our 2022 New Year, New Roof Giveaway next year! This giveaway is made possible by Care Free Homes, Inc. and GAF Roofing. We also want to thank our community partners Black Tie Cookies, United Way of Greater Fall River, and United Way of Greater New Bedford for their support of this wonderful community program!

    Watch our 2021 Surprise Reveal!

    Congratulations to Hilda Lopes, a SouthCoast Health Frontline Worker from New Bedford, Massachusetts!

    New Year, New Roof Giveaway 2021 Finalists

    Nominee: Peter and Pam Mathieu of Fall River, MA

    Nominated By: Jennifer Pacheco

    Peter and Pam’s Story: I would like to nominate Pete and Pam Mathieu to receive this year’s New Year New Roof giveaway. Pete and Pam are loving parents to three adorable and incredible children. Like all parents, the Mathieu’s have their fair share of challenges to overcome – with their biggest concern being their middle child. Their kind, little boy was diagnosed with autism at a young age and has periodic epileptic episodes. Pete and Pam have done and will continue to do everything in their power to get their son the help he needs to live a better life, but we all know that extensive healthcare, like what he needs, is extremely expensive.

    In December 2017, the Mathieu’s homeowner’s insurance company notified them that they would be canceling coverage due to an overgrowth of moss on the roof. Extensive damage was done to the roof during the removal of the moss, leading to a number of additional housing issues. As a result, Pete and Pam need a new roof, a new retaining wall, a new front entryway, and a ton of gutter and draining work done. Many repairs have been made by Pete himself, including a new paint job on areas that were damaged and a window replacement project.

    Unfortunately, Pete is running low on time and money – he currently works as an EMT/Fire Fighter at the Framingham Fire Department, with any free time dedicated to his part-time position as a carpenter. While he’s at work, Pam is home taking care of the children as a full-time mother, because their middle child needs all the help and attention he can get from his loving mother. In addition to being wonderful parents, Pam volunteers for the Early Intervention Parent Leadership Program, People Inc. Parent Advisory Council, and the Fall River Special Education Program. Pete volunteers as a local T-ball couch and deck hockey coach. 

    I’ve known Pete and Pam for a very long time now, and they are, without a doubt, deserving people. Let’s do everything we can to save the Mathieu’s additional time, money, and stress this year.

    Nominee: Hilda Lopes of New Bedford, MA

    Nominated By: Tilly Feliciano

    Hilda’s Story: I would like to nominate my sister, Hilda Lopes. She raised her son as a single parent and currently works 32 hours as an essential frontline worker at St. Luke’s Hospital. As an Emergency Room Greeter, Hilda is responsible for patient check-in and triage. She has received many commendations from SouthCoast Health for her positive attitude, hard work, and selfless acts of kindness and empathy towards patients. She is loved by co-workers and patients alike because she goes above and beyond in her job and the needs of patients. She was a personal care assistant for my son, who has Autism and seizures, for 4 years. She was the person to catch his very first seizure in which he was met flighted to Boston. Hilda was also there when my son almost drowned. He wasn’t breathing and it was Hilda who helped me perform CPR to save his life. 

    She bought a house on a meager income and struggles to pay her bills. The roof on her house leaks in multiple places and is literally falling apart. At one point she was finally able to save a decent amount for a down payment on a new roof; however tragedy struck our family and our oldest brother unexpectedly passed away in August of 2016. Hilda didn’t think twice and offered all of her savings to help the family pay for funeral expenses. My sister has always sacrificed for others and gone without herself. My sister cared for our Dad for many years until he passed away in 2004. During that time, she worked two jobs raising her son. She is always kind and compassionate and will go to great lengths to help out anyone in need. Her friend was recently diagnosed with cancer and she was able to collect a generous amount of donations to cover medical & household expenses for her friend. She also initiated a sick bank donation at work for paid time off. 

    She is strong and leans on the Lord for strength and stands on the scripture: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me”. She has been through countless trials and tribulations her entire life, but yet somehow, she is the one who is always there for everyone else to help. 

    Nominee: Francis Tichelaar of Taunton, MA

    Nominated By: Samantha Tichelaar

    Francis’ Story: I would like to nominate my dad. My dad is a social butterfly who loves to be sarcastic with anyone who will listen. When it comes to work, my dad is the hardest worker I know. He is a jack of all trades who has picked up tons of knowledge from each job he has ever had. Throughout his life, he has been tested time and again, yet each time he came out of it stronger than ever (that is one of the MANY reasons why I look up to him so much).

    In 2009, my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer. It was not long before medical bills started piling up. My father had taken time off from work to stay home and take care of my mom so family income was pretty low. In 2010 my mom lost her battle to cancer. Despite losing his best friend, my dad was brave for us kids, but I know that with her passing a piece of him died, too. My father faced many obstacles in the following months, luckily our half brother, who was 25 at the time, was able to step in and help my dad with us kids considering we were only 10, 14, and 15 years old. However, about 17 months after my mom’s passing, we lost my half brother, too. Losing his first born was not easy for my dad. Losing his wife and his child really started to take a toll on my father. He began to go down a dark path. We almost lost our home due to missed payments. A few mistakes later, my dad found the help he needed, got himself a job, and really started to turn things around. It has not been an easy journey.

    He has many bills that he is still working towards paying off, but he does it proudly. As he works to pay off the everyday bills, he is also faced with household projects left and right. I have lived in this house my entire life and our roof has never been fully redone. We have been able to patchwork a few spots, but the truth of the matter is that the roof leaks and needs to replaced. My dad has mentioned redoing it but then goes quiet when we ask how much it would cost. Please consider giving my dad a new roof. I can tell that he is getting tired, and I hope that this new roof will spare him from the financial stress of buying it himself. 

    Nominee: Jane & Michael Bailey of Newport, RI

    Nominated By: Michele Bailey

    Jane & Mike’s Story:  We were raised to take care of those who might not necessarily be able to care for themselves. Our mom and dad opened their home to many people; a family of 5 who had been burned out of their home, teenagers and young adults who were no longer able to live at home for a variety of reasons. They opened our home to children and young adults in the foster care system. It was not unheard of to wake up in the morning to find a kiddo sleeping in the spare room because an emergency foster home was needed. Each foster brother and sister we had was treated as a member of our family, whether they stayed a day, a week, a month, or a year. 

    Our mom owns and operates their art gallery in Newport and uses that space to teach art lessons, pre-COVID of course, and to show case other area artists. At nearly 79 years old she is active in her community, still paints, draws, teacheres, and sells her art. Our dad has worked construction for the last 40 years. He has been tough on his body, surviving a broken neck as a young teenager, ulcers, setting his own broken finger and ignoring his own broken leg. He’s had heart complications since his emergency quadruple bypass surgery in 1986. In 2019 he experienced 5 heart attacks and a valve replacement. He has had a series of falls over the last 12 months and has suffered serveral concussions, pain in his back and legs every day, to the point that he often is unable to walk. Our fathers’ medical bills are in the tens of thousands.

    COVID has made their situation even more complicated. My sisters and I are unable to visit and help as much as we would like yet through all of this our mom has remained steadfast and true. She now not only creates art as a self-employed artist, runs the art gallery, and is our father’s primary care taker, but she also must manage the upkeep of their home. Our mom recently told us she believes it is time to have the roof replaced. This will be a difficult bill for two people on a limited fixed income, on top of the typical bills and medical bills that continue to accrue. Thank you for considering this nomination. It would be a blessing and a befitting gift for our parents. 

    Roof Giveaway, Fairhaven, MA

    Nominee: Kelly Ochoa of Fairhaven, MA

    Nominated By: Daniela Ochoa, Kate Butler, Jane Cabral, Heather Mcgowan, Sandra McGowan

    Kelly’s Story: I would like to nominate my mother, Kelly Ochoa for this roof giveaway!! My mother has raised me and my twin sister as a single mother all of our lives and has constantly worked to provide for us. She has always worked multiple jobs to keep a roof over our heads and food on our table and I am so thankful for everything that she has done for me. My mother has always worked hard to keep us happy and healthy and the damage to the roof, which is leaking and falling apart around us, is extremely stressful for her.

    She is a local high school teacher at Old Rochester Regional High School and she also works with Harbor House shelter in New Bedford organizing and helping tutor the children who are living in the homeless shelter. She started out as a volunteer and is currently their site coordinator. She always taught us to help and give back to the community and those around us as much as we can. Whether it be tutoring through School on Wheels or volunteering her time with our church to help local immigrant families in need, my mother is almost always doing her best to give back to the community. She constantly helps others and is in need of help with our roof. – Daniela and Nicole Ochoa

    I work with Kelly at Old Rochester Regional High School. She teaches Spanish. The New Year New Roof would be a tremendous help for Kelly. She is a single mom of two college students. Kelly has a generous heart and is always giving of herself to support and help others. She tutors homeless students in New Bedford. She is active in her church. She is a class advisor for the ORR class of 2024 and the first to support student ideas for fundraising or helping the community. Kelly is humble and kind and a very deserving candidate for your generous award! – Kate Butler

    The Mathieu's Message Board

    “The Mathieus are an amazing family and really need and deserve this! Good luck, Pam and Pete!!” – Kathy Mumma

    The Mathieu's Message Board

    “Love you guys!” – Joane Mathieu

    The Mathieu's Message Board

    “Best of luck to the most deserving people I know.” – Erik Nunes

    The Mathieu's Message Board

    “They are a hard working good people who could use a break.” – Francine O’Driscoll

    The Mathieu's Message Board

    “Hope you catch that break you’ve been looking for!” – Kristen Pacheco

    The Mathieu's Message Board

    “Good luck Pam and Peter ! You are amazing and have a wonderful family and deserve all that is good ❤️” – Tammie Taylor

    The Mathieu's Message Board

    “Good Luck you and your family deserve a new roof to keep your family safe.” – Jayne Gagnon

    Hilda's Message Board

    “I remember this sweet soul from high school. Wishing you the best of luck!!” – Deanne Gomes-Stanley

    Hilda's Message Board

    “Blessings to you Hilda and all the contestants!” – Jana Boccalon

    Hilda's Message Board

    “Kindest and most compassionate person I know.” – Judy Louro

    Hilda's Message Board

    “Good luck and thanks for all your hard work as a front line worker!” – Laura Besse

    Hilda's Message Board

    “You have carried the weight of someone. God will carry you.” – Eunice Moise

    Hilda's Message Board

    “Hilda you got this. We are here for you and with you!” – Auriza Abreu Mett

    Hilda's Message Board

    “Love you with all my heart! You got this ♥️ mark 11:22-24” – Tilly Feliciano

    Francis' Message Board

    “Frannie & his kids are very deserving of this for sure.” – Jessica Gonsalves

    Francis' Message Board

    “Best of luck! You guys deserve it!!” – Alyssa Camara

    Francis' Message Board

    “Fran is so deserving of this free roof he’s a hard worker and him and his family have been through so much!” – Jacob Frizado

    Francis' Message Board

    “Sending all the hugs Sam & fam ❤️” – Meghan O’Leary

    Francis' Message Board

    “May a new roof take some of the weight off. You’ve raised an amazing child.” – Nicholas Francis

    Francis' Message Board

    “This family has been through so much and Fran is so deserving of this.” – Megan Frizado

    Francis' Message Board

    “Tusks up!” – Ky Smith

    The Bailey's Message Board

    “I have known them all my life. They have worked hard for all of their lives and have always given a hand, a job, and even a home to someone in need. They deserve this!” – Lisa Diana

    The Bailey's Message Board

    “I will never forget all the support and kindness you showed me when I needed it the most! Thank you!” – Gail Kanwisher Decker

    The Bailey's Message Board

    “The most humble and kind people I know ! Love you Mike and Jane!!” – Janet Johansen

    The Bailey's Message Board

    “Jane and Mike share and spread love and joy tirelessly. They rock and they deserve a new roof.” – Jesse Meeks

    The Bailey's Message Board

    “They do so much for others…it’s time for them to get something back.” – Kristen Andrade

    The Bailey's Message Board

    “Lots of love Jane and Michael. It’s been such a tough year and you both deserve some help and love this year.” – Catherine Perry

    The Bailey's Message Board

    “I love you Mike and Jane Bailey or as I also call you Mom and Dad! Good luck from one of those kiddos!” – Patricia Trueman

    Kelly's Message Board

    “Kelly has not stopped giving to her community since I met her 20 years ago. She raised two thoughtful and kind daughters…She is always supportive and encouraging to EVERYONE.” – Jackie Pullo

    Kelly's Message Board

    “She’s the kindest person I know, with the biggest heart.” – Margaret Dimock

    Kelly's Message Board

    “¡Buena suerte señora 8a!” – Alexander Wurl

    Kelly's Message Board

    “Good luck!! You have always shown me a tremendous amount of support and I want to thank you for that!” – Mallory Kiernan

    Kelly's Message Board

    “Señora Ochoa, I hope you win! Thanks for all your guidance throughout high school!” – Brielle Correia

    Kelly's Message Board

    “Good luck from your Moana family!” – Maria Barrera

    Kelly's Message Board

    “I’ve been a struggling single Mom, Kelly, and know too well how difficult life can be…best of luck!” – Carol Keogh

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