Eight Days of Hope Fixes Homes for Families in Buffalo

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

The Christian organization completed over $1 million worth of repairs for families in the Buffalo Masten District. 

New York is known for having its fair share of tumultuous weather, which can lead to roof and home damages. It’s hard enough for some families to afford repairs and it’s even more difficult when you factor in the pandemic. But thanks to the organization Eight Days of Hope, over 200 families in Buffalo, New York were able to have their roofs repaired and home damages fixed. 

Eight Days of Hope is a non-profit Christian organization that aims to restore structures and homes for communities struck by disaster. Since 2005, they have helped over 7000 families across the United States. They aim to bring communities together by spreading restoration and creating new beginnings. 

With their latest project in Buffalo, the organization completed over $1 million worth of roofing repairs and home restoration work for hundreds of families. They gathered over 1000 volunteers for the project to help with re-roofing, window repairs and other property improvements for the Masten District. 

Buffalo resident Ida Lawyer was one of the lucky residents in the area to receive their help. “It means everything because it’s so difficult to find someone to do things appropriately. I spent a lot of money just getting the roof patched a couple of years ago and they didn’t do a very good job at all. So then this came along and I’m just so so grateful,” she told WIVB. 

Some of the labor was provided by AVA Roofing & Siding, a local company. The owner Anatoliy Aponchuck told WIVB, “I think we owe it back to the community for all of the success we’ve had as a company since 2006. So giving back is just the very little we can do.” 

Volunteers for the project came from over 31 states, but members of the Buffalo community gathered to help as well. One of these members was Joan Duquette who arrived with a clean-up crew for the project. She told WIVB, “I’ve been here the vast majority of my life. And even if I don’t know all these people personally, they’re my friends and neighbors. We’re in this together.” 

Do you know of someone in the industry who is ‘doing good deeds’ in their community? Help us catch them at it. Send news and information to info@rooferscoffeeshop.com. 

Photo Credit: The Buffalo News, Sharon Cantillon