GAF and Wichita Habitat for Humanity partner to support the Rock the Block Piatt community revitalization effort

Wichita Habitat for Humanity has named GAF the 2025 recipient of The Outstanding Community Partner Award.

GAF, North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, has partnered with Wichita Habitat for Humanity and GAF Master Elite® contractors Rhoden Roofing, Farha Roofing and Partridge Roofing Services to support Rock the Block Piatt, a major community revitalization effort transforming 16 homes in Wichita’s Northeast Millair neighborhood into safe, affordable housing.

Employees from GAF’s Newton, Kansas, manufacturing plant recently volunteered alongside Habitat construction crews to help with interior rehabilitation work on the future home of Habitat homeowner Violet Washington, one of the 16 homes being revitalized through the initiative. A dedicated self-employed single mother, Violet has worked tirelessly to be her children’s rock while facing numerous obstacles and striving to break the cycle of poverty. Her new Habitat home will be a testament to her unwavering determination, providing a safe, stable foundation where her children can grow and thrive. In addition to volunteering their time, GAF has donated roofing materials for seven homes, while Rhoden Roofing, Partridge Roofing Services and Farha Roofing are donating their time and expertise to replace roofs throughout the neighborhood.

“It is very important to us at GAF to be more than just an employer in our communities, but also use our resources and expertise to be a good neighbor," said Chris Rector, chief marketing officer at GAF. "We are honored to support the greater Wichita community and have members of our new hometown team in Newton be a part of the Rock the Block Piatt event to further our commitment to ensure families in this region have a safe roof over their heads." 

Most recently, Wichita Habitat for Humanity has named GAF the 2025 recipient of The Outstanding Community Partner Award, presented to organizations that consistently go above and beyond in supporting Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to strengthen the Wichita community. For years GAF has played a vital role in supporting Habitat for Humanity on a local and national level; not only by providing high-quality roofing materials, but also by helping recruit and engage GAF-certified contractors to complete much of the labor that makes these projects possible.

“We are sincerely grateful for GAF’s invaluable partnership,” said Danielle Johnson, executive director of Wichita Habitat for Humanity. “In addition to generously donating roofing materials for several homes, GAF has collaborated with our existing roofing partners, Rhoden and Farha, and has actively supported efforts to recruit new partners, such as Partridge and others, to ensure that every roof at Rock the Block Piatt is replaced. GAF’s support enhances our capacity to build strong partnerships so that more families can attain affordable, safe and stable homes.”

This work is part of GAF’s social impact initiative, GAF Community Matters, which is focused on making a positive difference as neighbors and partners in the community by leveraging roofing expertise, resources and products to help build resilient communities.

About GAF

GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, business owners and roofing professionals with its innovative solutions and focus on exceptional service. GAF's leadership extends to its commitment to strengthen its communities and industry through investments in career development, sustainable products and local community resilience. Learn more at www.GAF.com. 

About Wichita Habitat for Humanity

Wichita Habitat for Humanity is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a non-profit organization that strives to create a world where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. Since 1986, the organization has partnered with families in Wichita and Sedgwick County to build or improve their living situations through affordable mortgages, homebuyer counseling and neighborhood revitalization initiatives. Learn more at wichitahabitat.org.