STERLING, Va. — DryHome Roofing and Siding, a Sterling, Va.-based roofing company, selected Cornerstones (formerly Reston Interfaith) as the recipient of a new roof through its annual Free Roof for the Holidays program. Through a network of housing, Cornerstones is a local nonprofit that works to rapidly re-house individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, and promotes self-sufficiency by providing support for those in need of food, shelter, childcare and other human services. The new roof will replace one on a Cornerstones’ property in Herndon, ensuring the house is ready to become a home for a single mother and her 8-year-old child.

“By providing housing and services, Cornerstones helps families who are facing homelessness have a chance to rebuild their lives. But it takes a lot of resources to maintain these properties. That’s why we are honored to provide a free roof to one of its transitional housing units, so that more families in need can celebrate the holidays in the warmth and safety of a dry home,” said DryHome President Steve Gotschi.

Throughout November, DryHome accepted nominations from customers and the community to identify a Northern Virginia individual, family or nonprofit in need. DryHome selected Cornerstones as the recipient based on its needs, the condition of the roof of one of its transitional housing properties and the impact the organization has on the community.

“DryHome has again helped make the holiday season better for our community. This is the second free roof that we have received through this program, and it makes a huge difference. Now we can use those maintenance funds to find other ways to alleviate the affordable housing crisis that leaves many struggling families unable to find and keep a home,” explained Kerrie Wilson, CEO, Cornerstones.

In Fairfax County alone, the average monthly cost of housing is almost twice the national average, and nearly two-thirds of working families do not earn enough to qualify for a traditional mortgage. Having a stable home is the best way to start building a strong family. In response, Cornerstones provides both short-term emergency assistance, and long-term counseling and programs. By providing safe and supportive housing solutions to rapidly re-house individuals and families, Cornerstones is able to help people regain self-sufficiency and independence.

DryHome Roofing and Siding has been serving Northern Virginia for more than 25 years and is committed to making a difference in the community. Every day, DryHome’s work ensures that families and organizations have safe, high-quality roofs. The Free Roof for the Holidays program enables DryHome to thank its customers and the community by helping those who are struggling to have a safe roof over their heads, too. 

Last year, DryHome gave a roof to Janice Coe, a Leesburg-resident and social worker who opens her doors to people who are homeless. In 2012, DryHome marked the program’s 10^th anniversary by giving away two roofs — one to Leesburg widow Ann Harris, and the other to Arlington’s Doorways for Women and Families’ Safehouse. Other recipients have included: Loudoun school bus driver Barbara Green; Hubert Laconia, a grandfather and veteran of Sterling, Va.; Good Shepherd Alliance, a nonprofit serving Loudoun’s homeless; Cornerstones (formerly Reston Interfaith), a nonprofit serving the homeless; Falls Church Cub Scout House; Gabriel Homes, a nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities; Mrs. Caylor, a Leesburg resident and volunteer; and Bernie Cline, an elderly Alexandria resident.

 For more information, visit www.dryhome.com.