In Bastrop, a community‑focused effort is helping veterans keep safe, dry homes. Troops Need Roofs, a nonprofit founded by former Texas Army National Guard HR manager and company commander Steve Coon, partners with veteran‑owned Mottco Roofing & Construction to provide free roof replacements, repairs and home‑safety improvements for veterans, active‑duty service members and military families throughout the county.
How the program works
Applicants are evaluated based on the condition of their roof, insurance status, inspection findings and documented financial hardship. Having homeowners insurance does not automatically disqualify a veteran or family member from receiving assistance. Those who have lost a loved one while serving may also apply or be nominated by community members.
Leadership and mission
Steve Coon, executive director of Troops Need Roofs, emphasizes the organization’s core belief that veterans deserve to be remembered and supported after they leave the uniform. “We want veterans to know they matter. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” Coon said. He adds that the program creates opportunities for others to serve, fostering generosity and teamwork across the community.
Co‑founder and board chair Steve Moffitt, a veteran who leads Mottco Roofing, previously served alongside Coon. Their shared experience in the Guard underpins the nonprofit’s commitment to bringing together businesses, volunteers and fellow veterans to address a basic need: a safe roof.
Ways to help
Troops Need Roofs relies on community involvement to sustain its work. Residents can contribute in several ways:
- Donate: Contributions fund roofing materials and labor. As a 501(c)(3) organization, donations are tax‑deductible.
- Volunteer: Volunteers assist with project coordination, home inspections and on‑site support.
- Partner: Local contractors, businesses and civic groups can provide labor, materials or other resources.
- Nominate a veteran: Community members may refer veterans who need roofing assistance.
Impact on the community
Beyond the physical protection a new roof offers, the program aims to reaffirm to veterans that they have not been forgotten. “A new roof is important, but knowing that someone cares, that you haven’t been forgotten, and that your service still matters can mean just as much,” Coon explained. The initiative reflects a broader tradition of local service, where former service members continue to support one another long after their military duties end.
By linking veteran‑owned businesses, local volunteers and charitable donors, Troops Need Roofs exemplifies how faith‑based and family‑centered values can translate into tangible community assistance. The organization invites all Bastrop residents to join its mission, ensuring that those who have defended the nation receive the care and respect they deserve at home.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
