Binghamton veteran receives new roof from The Impact Project
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A Marine Corps veteran who was at risk of losing his home is getting a new roof over his head thanks to a local faith-based organization.
The Impact Project organized a project to replace the roof on Ron Torres's home on Clinton Street in Binghamton.
The Impact Project provides needed home repairs for people who can't afford them, with a special focus on the elderly, disabled and veterans.
This is their eighth project so far this year, and 241st since its creation in 2004.
Torres, who lives in the house with his daughter and two grandchildren, says the roof started leaking about two years ago and had gotten steadily worse. He says The Impact project literally saved his house.
'The property was close to being condemned because we were having issues with the roof caving in probably and we had water coming into the house. Quite a bit of it. The place was deteriorating fast. This came out of the blue and came just in time,' said Torres.
The Impact Project surprised Torres with a visit from a fellow Marine in full dress uniform who saluted him for his service and presented him with a Bible.
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar also stopped by to express his support.
Impact Project Founder Jim Willard says First Choice Roofing is doing the job at a steep discount and many others have offered money or discounted goods so that there's no cost to Torres.
'It shows the true heart of the Southern Tier. The businesses and the people living here, what it means to them, coming together. It's very special,' said Willard.
Willard says the other contributors were Botnick Chevrolet, Lowes in Vestal, Bert Adams Disposal and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Binghamton veteran receives new roof from The Impact Project
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