Community teams up to fix a Vietnam-era veteran’s roof
GRAND LEDGE, Mich. (WLNS) — An effort is underway in Grand Ledge to help a 77-year-old Vietnam-era veteran get a new roof, and it all started with a GoFundMe page made by his neighbor.
Rhonda Barlow has lived next to 77-year-old Randy Maloney for five years and hopes the two of them can reach their $9,000 goal to get him the home he deserves. The two are more than just neighbors — they’re like family.
Randy Maloney (left) and Rhonda Barlow (right). (WLNS)
“You know, we talk about all kinds of things, and she’s just become sort of like a sister to me, you know?” said Maloney.
Barlow says the two met while she was sitting on her porch outside of her home, and then Maloney approached her.
“He’s such a wonderful person, Randy is. He’s so caring, giving,” said Rhonda Barlow.
Rhonda Barlow (left) and Randy Maloney (right). (WLNS)
Maloney says the home was built in 1904, and the roof hasn’t been fixed in a very long time, leading to leaks.
“We’ve got buckets in the dining room,” said Maloney.
Barlow says when she noticed Maloney’s leaky roof and financial struggles, she knew she had to lend a helping hand.
“He tried to do what he could to patch, repair, save some money, and things were just getting out of hand for him,” said Barlow.
The roof. (WLNS)
So, Barlow took to Facebook and posted on the Grand Ledge community page.
This caught the eye of Dave Rademacher, Director of Sales and Purchasing for Brunette Home Improvement.
“I reached out to Rhonda directly. We met here on the property,” said Dave Rademacher. “I took a look at it and then just started thinking about how we could take care of him on it.”
Rademacher asked his competitor and friend, Dan Smeak with ACME Home Exteriors, to join in on the challenge.
Dan Smeak (left) and Dave Rademacher (right). (WLNS)
“[We] have donated in the community in the past. We’re both active with Habitat for Humanity. Dan’s company has done a number of veteran homes as well,” said Rademacher.
Rademacher says, so far, the two contractors are trying to get materials donated and find people to help repair the roof.
(WLNS)
No matter when those repairs happen, Barlow and Maloney say they are happy to know there are others with a heart of gold.
“It’s just an inspiration to me that there’s so many good people that really. If they have the means, they want to help,” said Barlow.
If you want to help Maloney and Barlow reach their goal, follow this link.
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