A sustainable way forward
GAF helps build all-electric homes at Carter Work Project
If you’re looking for Jeff Terry during Habitat for Humanity’s 2024 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, you’ll probably find him on a roof helping to build homes at The Heights, an all-electric community where Twin Cities Habitat will build 130-150 affordable housing units. The vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability at GAF has volunteered at several Carter Work Projects over the past 26 years.
“I’ve always loved getting up on the roof,” Jeff says. “So many families have not had a safe and secure roof over their heads, and it feels incredible to be able to help future Habitat homeowners do what we at GAF also strive to do every day — protect what matters most.”
Jeff Terry (front) works on a roof at Habitat’s 2023 Carter Work Project in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Building resiliency and generating energy
The Carter Work Project has helped to change lives around the world for 40 years thanks to the generous financial and volunteer support of sponsors like GAF, a Standard Industries company and the largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America.
During nearly 13 years of partnership, GAF has donated more than 3,800 roofing systems to Habitat affiliates across the U.S., impacting more than 15,500 individuals. The company continues to make a meaningful impact for affordable housing by donating products and volunteer time to support the 2024 Carter Work Project. GAF’s contribution includes 40 roofing systems featuring GAF Energy’s Timberline Solar™ Energy Shingle, the world’s first solar shingle that can be nailed down, as well as 40 solar energy systems.
“The solar-powered roofing system will make these homes more resilient, generate energy and be a long-term benefit to Habitat homeowners by helping to offset their energy costs,” Jeff says.
GAF volunteers collaborate with other Habitat volunteers during Habitat’s 2023 Carter Work Project in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Bringing people together
More than 50 GAF employees will join Jeff at The Heights, including team members from the company’s Minneapolis-area shingle manufacturing plant, which has a longstanding relationship with Twin Cities Habitat.
Leslie Sather, a senior coordinator at the plant, is looking forward to volunteering. She will provide event information and support for volunteers and says she’s bringing along her personal “power tool” — her smile — to help guide them on the build site.
“One of my favorite things to do at GAF in my role is our community outreach efforts working with business partners, local schools and so forth,” Leslie says. “I’m really proud to be part of GAF and to be part of the Carter Work Project.”
Jeff is thrilled to work alongside GAF teammates like Leslie to build homes at The Heights, but he holds a special place in his heart for the two dedicated Habitat volunteers for whom the event is named — former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and the late Rosalynn Carter.
Jeff remembers speaking with President Carter nearly two decades ago and listening to his infectious excitement for an upcoming Carter Work Project event. “I feel so blessed to have been able to sit right next to this incredible individual that at the core of everything he stands for in his life is about bringing people together and doing something that is bigger than any one of us,” Jeff says.
