Roofing Contractor Association of Texas (RCAT) Supports Hurricane Relief

Sarah Burns, Executive Director, Roofing Contractor Association of Texas, issues call-to-action for the roofing industry to help.

As you are all aware Hurricane Harvey, a devastating Category 4 storm, has widely affected the Texas coast! So many areas were severely battered by the storm. The city of Houston and surrounding areas have experienced catastrophic flooding and the storm STILL rages! With tens of thousands of Texans displaced and in need, your association is determined to help in every way we can. MANY of you have been on the ground in affected areas and and donating needed items since Harvey touched the Texas coastline. It is truly humbling and amazing to see the outpouring of support from our roofing industry.

The RCAT staff in Fort Worth along with former RCAT Presidents Paul Ramon, Ramon Roofing, Inc. and Dan Pitts, Pitts Roofing Company, Inc. organized an immediate gathering of over 400 new airbeds, blankets, pillows and non-perishable food items on Tuesday and took a loaded a 40' trailer to an East Montgomery County shelter and distribution point. Heath Hicks' team with AVCO Roofing in Tyler dropped off a huge load right in front of us. I can't even begin to tell you the overwhelming gratitude we received from these folks. This is just one of many examples of our members coming together to help the State of Texas and our great citizens in this time of need. BUT there is so much more to be done up and down the Texas coast.

This association and our members are blessed to be in a position to help our fellow Texans! With hundreds of Roofing Contractors, product suppliers, and other associate members, we literally have our own army of people willing and able to help. Plus, we have fleets of trucks and trailers at our disposal. LET’S KEEP FILLING THEM UP AND DISTRIBUTING NEEDED ITEMS! RCAT is committed to the cause and will continue to help those in need receive the essentials for life and rebuilding long after the storm is gone.

We have set up a donation link to enable us to keep the deliveries and donations flowing to those most affected areas and families. There are also a few charitable foundations that we are in discussions with for partnership: Samaritan's Purse, Rubicon Group and The Catalyst Group. Your recommendations are welcome as the needs of these families will change as the clean up and rebuilding efforts continue through the Holidays. Your tax-deductible donation will be spent on the items most needed in afflicted areas or donated to the very best relief effort organizations. Please help us bring much needed aid to those affected!

Drop-off locations are also needed around the state so that items can be collected and deliveries coordinated. If you are interested in opening your office as a drop-off center contact the RCAT office immediately. We also have a list of necessary items which we will be collecting at these designated locations.

Every donation helps and makes a difference! I guarantee those 100% tax deductible donations will be put to good use and can't wait to keep you all updated on how we are helping these communities. I want to share your generosity with our roofing industry community as well so please continue to send pictures and post them to our Facebook page.

This is a call to action for all RCAT Members because together we can pull off some amazing things! Thank you for your consideration and may God bless you all.

-Sarah Burns, Executive Director, Roofing Contractors Association of Texas, roofingcontractors-texas.com

If you are able to donate the following, please drop them off at designated locations:

• Food: Unexpired, non-perishable and easy-to-make food items, manual can openers.
• Water: Bottled water with the the safety seal intact.
• Children's Supplies: Diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, diaper rash cream (in their original, unopened packaging) and cribs, playpens, car seats (new or gently used condition), and toys. Only new or clean, gently-used toys will be accepted (e.g. books, board games, battery-operated games).
• Toiletries & First Aid Kits: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, deodorant, shampoo, bar soap, razors, sanitary napkins, etc.
• Equipment: Items that can be used to assist in the emergency response and immediate relief phase - such as power tools, ladders, chainsaws, fans, etc.
• Supplies: Cleaning supplies (e.g. bleach, sponges, mops, N95 filtration masks, gloves, buckets, Lysol spray and wipes). Plastic storage containers.
• Materials: Building materials (e.g. nails, screws, sheetrock, plywood, and lumber) CONFIRM SPACE AVAILABILITY WITH DROP OFF LOCATION PRIOR TO DELIVERY.
• Furniture: Folding chairs and tables.
• Bedding: New bedding (sheets, pillows, comforters, etc.) in unopened packages are preferred and cots.

RCAT Contractor drop-off locations (more will be added):

Ramon Roofing, Inc. 3027 Ramona Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76116 817-924-1645

Johnson Roofing Appaloosa Trading Post/Rodeo Pawn 3101 N Robinson Dr. Waco, TX 76706 254-662-5571

Alden Roofing 15635 Vision Drive, Suite 100 Pflugerville, TX 78660 512-246-8600

AVCO Roofing 13455 ST HWY 110 S Tyler, TX 75707 903-534-8700

Houston Area Locations (these will be updated as conditions change): www.houstonemergency.org