June 2026 - A Widow, A Home, and a Community That Cared

A Home Filled with Memories

For more than 40 years, Ms. George has called her Northeast Portland house home. Now 77 years old and widowed, she has faced challenges that no one should have to face alone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she lost her husband—the person who had always taken care of the home's maintenance and repairs. After his passing, the house they built a life in slowly began to show signs of age and wear, while the cost and complexity of repairs grew beyond what she could manage on her own.

Catalyst Steps In

Catalyst first met Ms. George in early 2025. Through our Handle-It Program, we repaired a set of dangerous basement stairs that had become a serious safety concern. Soon after, we installed protective tarps over two chimneys that were leaking and allowing water into the home.

While these repairs addressed immediate needs, it was clear that a much larger issue remained. Ms. George's aging roof had reached the end of its lifespan and needed to be completely replaced.

An Urgent Challenge

We hoped to complete the roof replacement in 2025, but the scope and complexity of the project made that impossible. Then another challenge arose. Midway through the year, Ms. George received notice from her homeowner's insurance company that her policy would be canceled unless the roof was replaced.

The situation became urgent. Knowing we could not meet the insurance company's deadline, Catalyst immediately stepped in to advocate on Ms. George's behalf. We explained our commitment to completing the project and requested additional time. Thankfully, the insurance company granted an extension, providing a critical opportunity to find a long-term solution.

A Project Bigger Than Expected

As planning began for 2026, replacing Ms. George's roof became one of Catalyst's highest priorities. However, the project presented significant obstacles. The roof was exceptionally steep, making it unsafe for volunteer crews to complete the work. Beneath the existing roof were five layers of old roofing materials, including the original cedar shakes. Once work began, it was discovered that all of the plywood underlayment would need to be replaced as well, dramatically increasing the scope of the project.

What seemed like a straightforward roof replacement quickly became a major undertaking.

An Incredible Partnership

Then something remarkable happened.

Our partners at Bliss Roofing stepped forward and offered to take on the project. Their generosity became the catalyst for an even greater community effort. Through partnerships with local roofing contractors, suppliers, and businesses, and with support from the Women in Roofing campaign, skilled professionals came together to provide labor, materials, expertise, and encouragement.

What started as a single roofing project became a powerful demonstration of what can happen when a community rallies around a neighbor in need.

A New Roof and a Renewed Sense of Hope

In June 2026, Ms. George finally received the brand-new roof she so desperately needed.

During the project, KOIN 6 News visited the site to share her story with the broader community. In her interview, Ms. George expressed deep gratitude for everyone who had played a role in making the project possible. Her appreciation for the volunteers, organizations, and businesses that came together on her behalf was heartfelt and sincere.

The Power of Community

This project became about far more than shingles and plywood. It became a reminder that no one should have to face life's challenges alone.

When Ms. George found herself facing a critical home repair she could not manage on her own, local businesses, volunteers, and community partners stepped forward to help. Their generosity transformed not only her home, but also her sense of security and hope.

Because of their compassion and commitment, Ms. George received more than a new roof. She received the reassurance that she is valued, supported, and surrounded by a community that cares—allowing her to remain safely in the home she has loved for more than four decades.

Project Stats and Partners:

·      Bliss Roofing  - donated labor and help coordinate the project

·      National Women in Roofing - helped coordinate the project

·      Malarkey Roofing Products - donated roofing materials

·      Oregon Roofing Company - donated labor and food for the crews

·      Dutch Family Roofing - donated dump trailers

·      AE&I Roofing and Construction - donated dump trailer and labor

·      SRS Building Products – Clackamas & Portland  - donated rooftop delivery of materials and labor

·      Aylwin Construction - provided materials

·      Owens Corning - Portland - donated materials and food for the crews

·      ABC Supply – Vancouver  - donated materials  

·      Sunnyside Roofing Services LLC - donated labor

·      CC&L Roofing - donated labor

·      Superior Roofing - donated multiple dump trailers

·      WRB Construction - donated labor and swag for all crews

·      Snyder - donated labor and swag for all crews

·      Raindrop Roofing NW - donated labor

·      GI Goes - donated porta-potties for the project

 

Project photos