Creating everyday miracles

By Emma Peterson.

Learn how the Beacon of Hope program is helping veterans and communities across North America.

Beacon Building Products, the largest publicly traded distributor of roofing, waterproofing and related exterior products in North America, is driven by their mission to “empower their customers to build more for their communities.” In the last six years, one of their big pushes in support of this is their Beacon of Hope program. This is an outreach program directed towards military veterans in both the U.S. and Canada. Through the program, Beacon supplies TRI-BUILT® and CertainTeed to local roofing companies that are then installed on the chosen veterans’ roofs.  

Just this last year (2024), there were 14 deserving veterans chosen for the program, along with two support organizations. Keep reading to learn more about the story of two of these veterans and the organizations that received new roofs!

Larry H. – Madoc, Ontario, Canada  

Larry H. joined the military at 18 years old, fresh out of high school. He served for over 17 years until he retired due to a brain injury received while on tour. Larry was nominated for Beacon of Hope by his brother, David, who became his unofficial caretaker after he returned home. Over the years, Larry’s injury has caused him a variety of issues with his short-term memory. As David put it, “After sacrificing so much it would be great for my brother to be able to receive this opportunity.”

Chris B. – Oromocto, New Brunswick, Canada

Over in New Brunswick, Canada, Brianne Blain nominated her husband Chris for the program. She and Chris have been together for over 15 years and both served in the Canadian Armed Forces. After coming home, they both struggled with mental and physical obstacles from their time serving their country. In addition to those challenges, Brianne and Chris have struggled with rising living costs as they build their family. Brianne explained, “Our family grew to four as we have two amazing children that live with us in the house, and with raising costs, braces, etc., we find it hard to put money elsewhere, such as the roof as it needs repaired. I would love for Chris to be chosen as he always gives back to the community and those in need without expecting anything in return.”

VFW Post 622 – Petersburg, Virginia, U.S.

Heading south, VFW Post 622 in Virginia, U.S. has been serving military veterans and the local community for over a century. They currently have 148 members (and 78 auxiliary members). James G., who nominated Post 622, explained a bit about what the organization does, saying, “Post 622 members support Veterans in need, local schools, community food banks, community wellness programs and recognize First Responders. The Post serves as a meeting place for veterans, auxiliary members, families and local citizens.” It is this community that has been patching a leaking roof for the past few years to keep the facility operating. Receiving the roof from Beacon of Hope means that the organization will be able to better support veterans and the larger community around them.

Sauls Bridges American Legion – Tallahassee, Florida, U.S

Even further south is the Sauls Bridges American Legion Post. Also over a century old, this Post serves thousands of veterans each year. It was nominated by Edward H., who shared a bit of their struggle with a damaged roof, saying, “A past Commander hired an unlicensed contractor to replace our old roof and install a new roof. The State of Florida has gone after the unlicensed contractor, and we are stuck with a leaking roof. We are trying anything and everything to get this roof situation resolved but are coming up short. We need this miracle.”

Learn more about the Beacon of Hope program and meet the other 12 recipients from 2024!