POCATELLO — Several construction organizations came together on Thursday to replace the roof of a local resident in need.

Brett Hochhalter, owner of M & M Contracting, said Franklin Building Supply provided all of the material for the roof, and his company provided the people and labor to work on the trailer the roof was built for.

“Franklin Building Supply contacted Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency to see if there was anybody in need,” he said. “They wanted to donate all the material, and we’re donating our labor.”

The roof would have cost the homeowner between $5,000 and $6,000 to fix himself. This made it so he wouldn’t have to come up with any of the funding or materials himself.

“They don’t have that cost,” Hochhalter said. “Even SEICCA didn’t have to come up with that type of funding if it’s all donated.”

Texas Roadhouse also brought food for everyone who came to work on the new roof. Hochhalter said there were around 35 people there in total.

“Everyone from SEICCA and Franklin Building Supply and a lot of our roofers with M & M,” he said.

Hochhalter said he and Franklin Building Supply found out about the family living in the trailer through SEICCA, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support for vulnerable populations.

“They contacted me and they had picked this family,” he said. “I had told them if they needed us to donate the labor that we would.”

The material that was donated for the roof is expensive but durable. It will be sure to keep the family warm for many years to come.

“They’ll have a good, solid roof for 30 or 40 years,” Hochhalter said.

Hochhalter said they have been trying to help people in need replace their roofs often. They usually do two every year.

“This will be our third,” he said. “I did a couple roofs that I put shingles on, one in early spring and another at the end of June. It’s just a way to help the community and help people get a new roof when they’re in dire need of one.”

Hochhalter said his favorite part about providing new roofs for people in need is seeing the look on their faces and getting involved with the community. He said he loves seeing the homeowners have an expense that they no longer have to worry about.

“You’re helping this person, but the rest of the community sees it,” he said. “I just got a text from somebody that wanted to know how a family member could apply for the next free roof.”

Hochhalter expressed gratitude for everyone involved in the project including SEICCA, Franklin Building Supply and for Texas Roadhouse for providing the food.

Eddie Jarmillo, who lives in the house, said he reached out to SEICCA and told them about the problems they were having in their house with the roof. They couldn’t heat or cool the house very well.

“We get a high bill all year round,” he said. “We’ve got air conditioners all over the house and it’s still hot.”

Jarmillo said it felt good to have all these people come and fix the roof and do all the work.

“They’re doing a great job,” he said. “I’m know that this year it’ll be nice and warm.”

Jamillo expressed gratitude for everyone who came to help and for all the work they’ve done for him and his family.

“You can’t ask for more,” he said. “All these workers, they just wiped it out so quick. They’re hard workers, and I appreciate that.”