Giving Back to Veterans with Beacon of Hope
Author: Amy Freeman | August 18, 2023
The U.S. is home to more than 19 million veterans, with more than three-quarters of today's U.S. veterans having served during wartime, including during World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and the Gulf War. More than 460,000 Canadian veterans have served, with 25,000 serving during wartime.
For many years, Beacon Roofing has aimed to support and give back to those who have served their countries. We employ more than 200 veterans, and in 2019, we started the Beacon of Hope program to provide veterans with a safe place to live. Through this annual contest, we're giving back to veterans and helping them build their lives as civilians across the U.S. and Canada.
What Is Beacon of Hope?
Beacon of Hope is an annual contest open to veterans living in the U.S. and Canada. Many of today's veterans have had difficulty returning to civilian life after serving in the armed forces. They may face mental and physical health issues, financial issues, unemployment or homelessness. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 33,000 veterans experienced homelessness in January 2022.
The Beacon of Hope program was created to provide veterans with a safe place to live. Through the contest, we hope to inspire our customers, communities and employees to give back to veterans.
The contest awards new roofs or roof repairs to individual veterans or veteran organizations. It's open to all veterans who have received a general or honorable discharge.
How Do You Enter the Contest?
If you're a veteran who needs roof repairs or you know a veteran whose roof needs repairs, we want to hear from you! The contest is open to all veterans ages 18 or older living in one of the 50 states, Washington, D.C. or Canada. Veterans can self-nominate, or another person can nominate them.
To enter the contest, submit a photo of the nominee and three photos of the nominee's home or building showing the need for repairs.
When entering Beacon of Hope, include a story about the veteran or the veteran organization. We want to know why you're nominating someone and why you believe they deserve a "Beacon of Hope." Previous years' winners include Ralph H., who served for three years in Germany and who was struggling to afford a new roof because of ever-increasing costs. Another winner was Steven G., who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years and now uses a wheelchair because of multiple sclerosis. After losing insurance coverage for his roof, Steven needed help to make repairs.
This year's Beacon of Hope contest opens in August and accepts entries through October. After the entry period closes, the nominees will be reviewed, and 10 veterans or veterans organizations will be chosen to receive a new roof or roof repairs. Winners will be announced in November, and projects will begin in the spring of 2024.
Visit the Beacon of Hope contest page to learn more about how to enter.
Why We Believe in Giving Back to Veterans
Today's veterans give a lot to their country and often don't get much back in return. Many can't easily adjust to civilian life when they return from war and find it challenging to make ends meet or keep up with the increasing costs of living.
Additionally, many veterans who weren't injured during active duty also face health issues and high medical bills, making it challenging to support themselves or afford major home repairs.
This was the case for Ann Q., aka "Granny Annie." Granny Annie served in the U.S. Army and is the widow of a veteran. Despite the hardships in her life, including battling cancer, Ann continues to give to others. Now in her 70s, she remains active as a leader in Girl Scouts and in her community. Before winning the Beacon of Hope contest, Ann had significant roof issues and couldn't afford the cost of repairs.
We want to support more people like Ann, who keep on giving even when they're facing adversity in their own lives. Ann and veterans like her have made such a difference and given so much to their communities—providing a roof and a safe place to live is one way we can give back to them.
If a veteran you know has given tremendously and now needs help making their home safe and sound, enter them in the Beacon of Hope contest today!