Sterling, VA—DryHome Roofing and Siding has selected Vienna’s Shari Ashley Blackburn, a mother of three children who is struggling to keep her world together after a difficult marriage, as the recipient of a new roof through its 13th annual Free Roof for the Holidays program. DryHome will be replacing the roof it put on 27 years ago.
“After a recent divorce, Shari—who has three kids and a 30-year-old home in need of many repairs—is trying to stay afloat. What makes this unique is that I’ve known Shari since elementary school, and she was one of DryHome’s first customers, so her nomination and hardship came as a surprise. She is a good, caring person. We hope that the new roof eases her burden and makes her holiday brighter,” said Steve Gotschi, president, DryHome.
Throughout November, Sterling-based DryHome accepted nominations from customers and the community to identify a Northern Virginia individual, family or nonprofit in need. Blackburn received nominations by numerous friends and family. DryHome selected Blackburn as the recipient based on her needs, the condition of her 27-year-old roof and the heartfelt nominations.
Blackburn is self-employed, working as a property manager. Her income is not enough to sustain her three children—one who is in college, high school and elementary– and maintain her home. After learning about the new roof, Blackburn said: “I’m in shock. It’s hard to wrap by head around receiving this gift. A new roof takes one big thing off my growing list of repairs. It also means a lot that my childhood friend Steve put my first roof on and will do so again. I’m extremely grateful to DryHome and the friends who nominated me.”
Here are excerpts from a few of the nominations received in support of Blackburn:
- I know that Shari’s personal struggle …and a difficult divorce have put her into serious financial difficulties. Shari is trying to maintain some semblance of a secure family unit for her three children. Unfortunately, work on their home comes last. Any help she could receive in the repairs of her home would be a Godsend for Shari and her family.
- Shari tries to keep things together, but I see the hardship and worry in her eyes. She is a hard worker, “there” for everyone and everything and tries not to let the kids see how dry the well really is at this time. Shari volunteers on her community board and for the soccer and basketball leagues in Vienna – usually as team mother. She is doing her best, but could really use a helping hand.
- I know she is living on a shoestring. Shari could use a break…BIGTIME. One little thing to reward someone who [has gone through a lot but] manages to raise her kids as good citizens and selflessly volunteers.
- Shari’s roof is in very bad condition. She is a single parent struggling to make ends meet. Shari is a generous hardworking person and I can’t think of a more deserving person to receive your gift of a roof.
- Shari and her three children have gone through a rough last few years, but that hasn’t stopped her from giving back to her community through volunteering and staying active in her neighborhood. If there is anyone that deserves this gift, it’s her and her family. A new roof would help them so much and would be an amazing weight lifted during a very hard time in her life.
DryHome Roofing and Siding has been serving Northern Virginia for over 30 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.
A Leesburg widow and mother of two elementary-aged children was the recipient of a new roof last year. Prior years, DryHome awarded roofs to Cornerstones; a social worker who is a tireless advocate for the homeless; a Leesburg widow; Doorways for Women and Families’ Safehouse; a school bus driver; a veteran; Good Shepherd Alliance; Falls Church Cub Scout House; Gabriel Homes; a community volunteer; and an elderly Alexandria man.
