In 2016, Ply Gem launched the Home for Good project. In two years, the Cary-based building product company has provided the materials to renovate 450 houses in 70 communities.
In the Triangle, the company has helped build or remodel more than 80 homes. This week, they completed renovations on five more houses in the southeast Raleigh neighborhoods of Apollo Heights and Long Acres.
“They are hardworking families, but their homes have fallen into disrepair, and so in order to stay in that home that they can already afford, they just need some repairs made,” said Vicki Frye, a Ply Gem spokeswoman.
When Ply Gem introduced the Home for Good project, local community leaders eagerly jumped on board. Hundreds of volunteers, who Frye calls “Hometown Heroes,” and dozens of Ply Gem employees teamed up to build houses for fellow members of the community, working on everything from siding to roofing.
Ply Gem supplied the materials and Habitat for Humanity used the materials to renovate the homes.
“They had their connections, and we had our connections,” said Gary E. Robinette, Ply Gem CEO. “Two heads are better than one.”
Even country music stars have gotten involved with the project. Frye met 2018 ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year Brett Young at the ACM awards, and he was quick to partner with Ply Gem and Habitat for Humanity for the project.
“The opportunity to help is always something that we want to make sure we take care of when you are given a platform like you are when you play country music,” Young said. “It was a no-brainer and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”
In partnership with Young and Habitat for Humanity, Ply Gem presented the five families with their newly remodeled home exteriors on Tuesday, May 8.
Resident Linda Williams said this is the best birthday present ever, as her house was completed one week before the date.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she said after seeing her completed house. “Working with Vicki from Ply Gem and being able to pick out my own colors – it exceeded my expectations.”
Repairs to Williams’ home included new siding, fencing, windows and work on the exterior.
