JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Fraternal Order of Police, Southern Coast Roofing and several other organizations are teaming up to help local service men and women through Housetops for Heroes.
The program provides repairs and new roofing for heroes in need.
Its first project in Arlington helped Navy sailor David Heber and his family.
"He had a hole in his roof with a tarp over it,” said Steve Zona, president of the FOP Jacksonville.
Heber was at work Thursday while his wife was home watching the transformation. She said severe weather tore up parts of the roof years ago and she tried to deal with the problem on her own.
"Everything happens when David deploys,” Della Heber said.
Water started leaking through the ceiling.
"We called our insurance at the time, only to find out the coverage we thought we had, we did not have," she said.
The leak also affected their son, 14-year-old Corbin, who has minimal change disease, a kidney disease that allows him to get sick easily.
“It started causing mold and creating an inhospitable environment and affecting his health,” Della Heber said.
A new roof was a necessity that the Hebers couldn't afford, but Housetops for Heroes lifted the heavy burden off their shoulders.
"It's very emotional for us, because it came at a time where we needed something good,” Della Heber said.
The president of Southern Coast Roofing said helping the Hebers was a no-brainer.
“We're trying to take care of our heroes who protect us, our military, our sheriff's department," Jay Ors said. "What we do is nothing compared to what they do for us."
"I just know that it's going to help us tremendously, medically with Corbin and economically,” Della Heber said.
Southern Coast Roofing pulled up all the felt paper and ripped off all the shingles. It will only take a day to give the family a new rooftop.
If you know a service member or veteran who needs a new roof, contact the FOP Jacksonville at 398-7010 or at 5530 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207.