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August 2026 - A Birthday, A New Roof, and a Community United
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
A Family Home Filled with Memories
Mr. Avecilla is an 89-year-old widower who has called his multigenerational family home his own for the past 25 years. Like many older homeowners, maintaining a home built in the 1960s became increasingly difficult as the years passed. Aging materials, ongoing repairs, and limited resources created challenges that could not be tackled alone.
Thanks to a powerful collaboration between Community Energy Project (CEP), Peak Performance Roofing, and Catalyst, we had the opportunity to come alongside the Avecilla family and provide the support they needed to preserve the home they cherish.
A Major Transformation Begins
Over the course of three days, volunteers worked tirelessly to give the home the repairs it desperately needed. Together, we removed three layers of aging roofing material and installed a brand-new roof on both the house and garage.
The project quickly grew beyond a standard reroof. Significant portions of damaged plywood had to be replaced, along with all of the fascia and barge rafters. Volunteers also completed extensive yard work around the property, helping improve both the safety and appearance of the home.
Because of the roof's complexity and the large scope of work, the project began to fall behind schedule. In a wonderful display of partnership and generosity, Peak Performance Roofing stepped in on Saturday afternoon with a professional roofing crew, ensuring the work was completed on time and to the highest standard.
Opening the Door to Even More Improvements
The new roof was more than just a repair. It became the foundation for even greater investments in the family's future.
Because of this project, Mr. Avecilla now qualifies for significant energy-efficiency upgrades through the Community Energy Project. Planned improvements include new insulation, energy-efficient windows, and a new heating and cooling system.
These upgrades will help make the home safer, more comfortable, and more affordable for years to come, creating a lasting blessing for the entire Avecilla family.
Helping Beyond the Project Site
One of the most rewarding aspects of Catalyst projects is the opportunity to connect with the
surrounding community.
During the project, volunteers met several neighbors and discovered one nearby resident struggling to install a solar panel needed to power a home security system. Without hesitation, volunteers stepped in to help. A simple act of service solved an immediate need, created a new friendship, and reminded us that compassion often spreads far beyond the original project.
A Community United in Service
The response from volunteers was extraordinary.
Over three days, 83 volunteers contributed 384 hours of service, bringing their skills, energy, and hearts to support the Avecilla family. Every hour represented a tangible expression of care and a commitment tostrengthening our community.
While the physical repairs were significant, the relationships built during the project were even more meaningful. We are grateful for the connections formed with the Avecilla family, the volunteers who served alongside one another, and the incredible partners who helped make the project possible.
A Birthday Celebration to Remember
One of the most memorable moments came on the final day of the project, which also happened to be Mr. Avecilla's 89th birthday.
Instead of simply packing up our tools and heading home, we gathered together to celebrate. Volunteers and family members shared a meal, enjoyed birthday cake, sang together, and spent time building new friendships.
It was a joyful and meaningful way to conclude the project, reminding everyone that the work was never just about repairing a house. It was about honoring a neighbor and celebrating the community that came together around him.
The Power of Community
The Avecilla project is a beautiful example of what happens when volunteers, nonprofit partners,
businesses, and neighbors unite around a common purpose.
A family received critical home repairs, new opportunities for energy-efficiency improvements were created,new friendships were formed and one special birthday became a celebration of generosity, hope, and community.
To everyone who volunteered, donated, partnered, and supported this effort, thank you. Your kindness made a lasting difference.
This is what neighbors helping neighbors truly looks like.
Project Stats and Partners:
Volunteers: 83
Volunteer Hours: 384
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