Leveraging expertise, resources, and products to build resilient communities

Teaming up with a Captain

We've assembled a team to help Gulf Coast Communities build resilience and we're thrilled to have critically acclaimed actor and New Orleans native Anthony Mackie on board. The son of a roofer, Mackie knows the importance of a roof in helping families feel safe and building strong communities. Together with Mackie, GAF is addressing the challenges of disaster recovery and helping residents return home.

Preparing for the next storm

For too long, disaster response has prioritized short term support over long term resilience, leaving families unprepared for future challenges - there is no greater example of this than the sea of blue tarps that cover communities in New Orleans. GAF is committing to help reroof homes and accelerate rebuilding efforts in these communities.

Building a resilient workforce

Through programs like the GAF Roofing Academy, GAF trains community members in essential roofing skills they can use now and in the future and provides resources to our non-profit partners to employ these individuals as they support rebuilding efforts.

Here’s how we partner with our communities to bring Community Matters to life

Building strong homes and gathering places

GAF helps provide grants, in-kind donations, and hands-on support to address the unique needs of each community. Through the GAF Community Contractor Program, for example, more than 500 certified contractors have helped to install roofs for thousands of families in need of decent affordable housing.

GAF Tuscaloosa Blitz Build

There’s an old saying that it takes a village to support a family. In late October, it took 75 volunteers—including many GAF employees—working together with Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa, Alabama to meet one goal: making a family’s dream of homeownership come true. The best part? It took just five days.

Contractors Coming Together for Their Communities

Building community and giving back is the goal with businesses that have participated in GAF’s Habitat for Humanity Contractor program. Roofing contractors volunteer their time, labor, and expertise to a Habitat for Humanity project and GAF donates all of the GAF roofing materials used on the project.

Building infrastructure and disaster preparedness

Nonprofit partners such as Team Rubicon and Good360 help us provide critical resources and tools for our communities so they are ready to respond when disasters strike.

USCCF Recognizes GAF for Community efforts

We’re honored to be recognized by The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) in their 21st annual Citizens Awards for Best Community Resilience and Disaster Response Program.

Becoming a Team Rubicon Greyshirt

Serving communities by mobilizing veterans, leveraging their skills to help people prepare, and recover from disasters and humanitarian crises.

Building bright futures by equipping the next generation for success

GAF is leading initiatives designed to bring people together in shared spaces, to help enhance economic and social health in the places where we live and work.

GAF Transforms HQ into Free Farmers Market

Hundreds of Morris County, NJ residents regained access to fresh produce last year, thanks to a new partnership with GAF and the Interfaith Food Pantry (IFP). Over 50 GAF volunteers and the team at IFP helped transform GAF’s HQ into an assembly line where volunteers placed fresh produce directly into the trunks of IFP clients’ vehicles.

Forging New Dreams for the Future

The Shafter Learning Center is a place where kids can find unique educational opportunities that help them aspire to greater heights and achieve bigger dreams. Located in Shafter, CA, the center’s offerings range from courses in science, history, and literature to classes that let students learn to build a rocket or study the science of food.

Supporting the workforces of today and tomorrow

Building careers in manufacturing and roofing through education and training, and providing support and resources for those who protect our communities.

GAF Roofing Academy

Through a tuition-free, hands-on training program, GAF provides students with the skills needed to enter the roofing trade and assists in placing them in well-paying jobs upon graduation.

STEM Education

Through our partnership with Discovery Education, GAF is committed to helping bridge the skills gap and better prepare students for STEM opportunities in our communities and across the U.S.

About the GAF Cool Community Project

Protecting Our Protectors

First responders go above and beyond to protect others. GAF provides support and peace of mind so these heroes can focus on the important work of keeping our communities safe.

Establishing partnerships with a focus on resilience

Through a network of national and local partnerships, GAF is able to address the specific, yet varied, needs of the communities we support. Working with these organizations is a powerful asset in building resilient communities.

Protecting our people, communities, and planet

Building resilient communities while combating urban heat

GAF and StreetBond pavement coatings have partnered together in a first-of-its-kind initiative launched in the Pacoima neighborhood of Los Angeles, to develop insights on urban heat effects by assessing cooling strategies.

Temperature reduction

In phase one, by applying StreetBond DuraShield with Invisible Shade^™ technology, the initiative will monitor surface and ambient air temperatures, and evaluate qualitative measures, such as awareness of extreme heat impact, outdoor community engagement, and play opportunities.

Neighborhood revitalization

Another advantage of partnering with StreetBond is the aesthetics of its product. While the technological aspects of the coatings address cooling and longevity, the vibrant color offerings let us transform neglected spaces into places neighbors are eager to enjoy together.

Community engagement

It’s important for the people who live and work in the community, and the organizations that seek to improve it, to understand the changes we hope they’ll see and feel. Robust community engagement from the outset is vital to help ensure the success of the project process.

Growing sustainable practices for our shared future

At GAF, sustainability is an opportunity to invest in the shared future of our business and our planet. The GAF Sustainability report for 2021 highlights our efforts around product circularity, operational waste diversion, carbon emissions reduction, product transparency and green portfolio expansion.

View Report

Learn more about our sustainability efforts Go to page

Does your organization qualify for a GAF Community Grant?

GAF contributes resources to a range of nonprofit organizations that align with our Community Matters Initiative.

If your 501(c)(3) organization is located in the US or Canada and looking for support, submit a grant application for consideration.

Apply Here

VISIT THE ROOF VIEWS BLOG TO SEE GAF COMMUNITY MATTERS IN ACTION:

Creating Net-Positive Communities: GAF Taking Action to Drive Carbon Reduction

Companies, organizations, and firms working in the building, construction, and design space have a unique opportunity and responsibility. Collectively, we are contributing to nearly 40% of energy-related carbon emissions worldwide. While the goals, commitments, pledges, and promises around these challenges are a step in the right direction, no one entity alone will make major improvements to this daunting issue.

By Jennifer Keegan AAIA

05-31-2023

Roofing Is a 'Wild Ride': Q&A with Mark Rutherford of Atlanta Roofing Specialists

Mark Rutherford is one of the founders and current co-owner of Atlanta Roofing Specialists, where he's responsible for production and commercial sales. The company provides new roofs and repair services for residential and commercial buildings in the Atlanta area, and has been a part of the community for 30 years.

By Dawn Killough

05-24-2023

GAF Michigan City: A Commitment to Community

Michigan City has been home to a GAF manufacturing facility since 2000, supporting the community's residents through not only the nearly 200 jobs it provides but also countless hours of volunteering. The job creation and increased capacity for serving customers with the GAF Michigan City distribution center expansion is testimony to the company's dedication to building resilient communities.

By Karen L Edwards

03-21-2023

A GAF Roofing Academy Success Story: When Training Leads to a Career