Free Roof Replacement for Jacksonville Couple Just in Time for Christmas
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An early Christmas gift came early for Jeffery and Audrey Sharp as they received a new roof for their historic home, completely free of charge. This gift was made possible by NexGen Roofing and the NexGen Foundation, who began the replacement process on Thursday morning.
The Who, What, Where, When, and Why
The Sharps, residents of the Springfield area of Jacksonville, have owned their home since 1995. The house, which was built in 1912, has sentimental value to the couple, who have been married the same length of time they have owned the property. Their roof, however, suffered significant damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017. Despite the extensive damage, Jeffery noted they did not qualify for government assistance. For the last seven years, the couple has had to settle for patching their roof, which became increasingly precarious with every passing storm.
This year, NexGen Roofing took the initiative to provide a free roof installation to a Springfield homeowner as a holiday gift. They partnered with the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization program (SPAR), which has been collaborating with local families to revive homes in the neighborhood for the past three years. According to SPAR, the Sharp family was the ideal choice for this year’s project.
A Community Connection
One neighbor facilitated an introduction between the Sharps and SPAR, while another neighbor helped connect SPAR to NexGen. “This is the best Christmas gift ever,” exclaimed Jeffery Sharp, with Audrey adding emphatically, “Ever.”
A Financial Relief
The Sharps expressed that without the help of NexGen, they would have been facing thousands of dollars in repair costs, which they simply did not have. With Jeffery’s intention to pass the home down to their children, this free roof replacement represents not just physical assistance but emotional reassurance for the family.
A Commitment to Positive Change
NexGen Roofing and the NexGen Foundation aim to continue their commitment to fostering positive change in Jacksonville. Their initiative to provide free roofing services demonstrates a larger effort to assist families that face financial struggles, especially around the holiday season.
The Sharps’ story is an inspiring example of how community connections and local businesses can come together to change lives for the better. With the new roof installed, the Sharps now have a safe and secure home—with the added joy of celebrating the upcoming holidays in a place that is now restored.
As Jacksonville residents and advocates continue to show support for local initiatives, the Sharps can now look forward to a future filled with hope and warmth during this festive season.