Licitra Roofing seeks nominations for free roof giveaway for someone in need

BROOKFIELD – Licitra Roofing Inc. is once again giving away a free roof to an area family or individual in need as part of the national No Roof Left Behind program, and nominations are still being accepted on the company's website.

This is the fifth year the Brookfield-based roofing company has participated in the program, where community members submit nominations and then vote for a winner among four finalists.

The nomination period closes June 22, and then local volunteers will select the finalists. From July 2 through 15, the public can vote on Licitra Roofing’s website for the nominee they think is most deserving of a new roof. The winner will be revealed July 18, and the installation party, which is held the day the work begins, is about two weeks later.

Briana Licitra, Licitra Roofing employee and sister of the owner, said usually there are about 20 nominations, but this year, the company hasn’t received nearly as many as it has in previous years. Nominees must live in Cook County, be current on their mortgage payments and own the property. The nominees need to submit photos of the roof and provide a written story of their current situation and why they’re most deserving.

“Our past winners have been a retired veteran on disability and someone who had cancer, so these are people who are struggling,” Licitra said. “We choose people who urgently need a new roof, and this is literally the only way they can get one.”

The No Roof Left Behind program was founded by a Detroit roofing company in 2009 to provide a free roof to struggling families in that area. The word quickly spread among roofing companies across the country, and nearly 200 companies have participated in the program throughout the years, helping about 300 families.

Dena Elie, member development director of No Roof Left Behind, said the program is “very impactful” for the winners. People have told her it’s “life-changing," she said.

“A new roof really changes someone’s life,” she said. “If you don’t have a secure roof over your head, it is hard to make any other home improvements or even a batch of cookies if water is leaking in. It’s very taxing. People need shelter, and if your roof isn’t secure, you can’t feel safe at home.”

Licitra said the company’s owner, her brother Jonathan Licitra, heard about the program and wanted to get involved. The company held its first giveaway in 2014. She said he thought it would be a perfect way to thank the community and the company’s supporters.

“Sometimes bad things happen to good people, and important things like having a roof overhead are forgotten about,” she said. “People are in need all over the world, but we want to help those who are close to home. The winners are overjoyed, and I’ve had people crying on my shoulder because they’re so thankful. We love making people happy, and it makes us feel good to put a smile on someone’s face.”

This year, local businesses Kirschbaum’s Bakery, Blueberry Hill Café, Cheesie’s Pub and Grub, Sugar High, Casciani’s Pizzeria, Little Joe’s and Hortons Ace Hardware are chipping in with gift cards that also will be given to the lucky winner and runner-up.

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Know more

To learn more about No Roof Left Behind or submit a nomination, visit licitraroofing.com.