LI Contractor Makes Sweeping Commitment To Habitat For Humanity

LONG ISLAND, NY — Jeff Brett’s company is going to be putting roofs over a lot of heads this year through King Quality Cares, a philanthropic organization Brett and his employees created.

It was only three years ago that the 58-year-old Port Jefferson resident became involved with Habitat for Humanity. Last year, King Quality, his roofing, siding and window business on Long Island, put up five roofs and one whole house. They put the roof on another one in Wyandanch Jan. 5.

His commitment got him named Habitat for Humanity of Long Island’s man of the year for 2023, an award given to him at the annual gala. And that’s when he committed to roofing every house the organization builds in 2024.

“I didn’t know they were going to ask me to speak,” he told Patch. “I got carried away.”
He may sound sheepish, but in fact he’s bursting with enthusiasm.

“I have a lot of passion about Habitat and it’s only something we got involved in three years ago,” he said. “It’s not just somebody giving a house, it’s earning a house. Not only that, it’s putting sweat equity into other people’s houses.”

Homeownership is the primary driver of financial security for the middle class in America, historically, he pointed out. “The more homeowners on Long Island we have, the better the community.”

First-time homeowners are proud, committed, earning equity, planting themselves in the neighborhood. "But now the average working person can never save the amount that the house is going up in value," he said.

The house in Wyandanch is a case in point.

“The family moving into the house in Wyandanch, it’s three generations together. They’ve never had a house — they could never have afforded a down payment,” he said. "Not moving from rental to rental, having one place — just think about the confidence and how it changes a family forever.”

And it has personal significance.

“When I grew up it was so awesome to have my grandmother next door,” he said.

Brett has not only involved King Quality, but also two of his biggest suppliers. “GAF Roofing and ABC Supply have always been very committed to Habitat with us,” he said.

A lot of people don’t understand Habitat, he said. “They think someone is given a home. They’re not. They’re given an opportunity.”

The chosen families go through financial preparation classes and volunteer for community service.

Each homeowner will sign a 30-year mortgage with 2 percent interest, with Habitat covering a second mortgage.

“The default rate on their loans is almost zero,” Brett said.

Moreover, they stay involved. At the 2023 gala, he met people who had earned homes decades ago. “They’re still committed, they’re donating their time,” he said.

Yes, that gala, where he committed the company to eight or nine Habitat projects in 2024.

“We’ll do all the roofs. Sometimes the siding,” he said. "Couldn’t do it without GAF roofing and ABC building supply — they support us in a big way. And the less expensive the building costs, the easier for the homeowner.”

The Wyandanch home is just the latest charitable effort for King Quality Cares.

“As a team we find different organizations,” Brett said. The nonprofits they pick usually have no money for advertising, and King Quality does a TV ad campaign with them.“When we do this it brings so much awareness to the nonprofit," he said.

Among the groups they’ve worked with in this manner are John’s Crazy Socks and Long Island Against Domestic Violence.

“I’m glad we got involved with LIADV,” Brett said. “I never would have known how amazing they are.”

King Quality Cares’ main mission is to build awareness of Long Island charities and community organizations and the important work that they do.

“The more we did, the more we got out of it,” he said. “You don’t believe that, and then you find out it is true.”