GERMANTOWN, Tenn. — Nearly 40 Memphis-area volunteers led by John Bennett of Excellent Roofing recently banded together to repair The Cottage at Germantown United Methodist Church.

The Cottage serves as part of Room in the Inn's nonprofit network of churches that provides free overnight shelter and meals to the homeless.

The massive project took place on Saturday, Sept. 29, and involved removing the old roofing system, replacing rotten wood, repairing and replacing the flashing, and installing new shingles. The volunteers also replaced several vent pipes, covers, and boots along with new gutters. 

Memphis, Tenn.-based Excellent Roofing donated labor and helped to secure new shingles at cost. About 20 volunteers from Germantown United Methodist Church also assisted.

Bennett, owner of Excellent Roofing, said, "Our company takes pride in giving back to our community, whether we're building Habitat for Humanity houses or leading apprenticeship programs for non-violent offenders released from prison. We have the attitude of serving others and doing our best, and it's especially meaningful to help those who don't have a place to live. That's what Jesus did ‒ servant leadership ‒ and we're proud to do our part."

Room in the Inn - Memphis has grown from one church to nearly 50 throughout Shelby County, including several Germantown churches. Nine congregations take turns hosting at The Cottage at Germantown United Methodist Church.

Excellent Roofing is among many companies across the U.S. that donate roofs and/or roofing services to those in need. Other recent examples have been Interstate Roofing of Denver, Colo, Lee's Summit, Mo.-based Aspen Contracting and TAMKO Building Products Inc., and Jacksonville, Fla.-based Reliant Roofing.