Revere Family Awarded Free Roof After Tornado Damage Through Community Nominations
REVERE — It was a Publishers Clearing House moment Wednesday when a small group bearing a large poster board sign and a fistful of helium balloons rang the bell at 27 Cummings Ave, but instead of a receiving cash for life, the homeowners received a roof of a lifetime.
“I did not expect this,” said Jennifer Valentin upon answering the door. “I knew we were nominated, but I said if there is another family that needs it more, give it to them.”
Pregnant with her second child, Valentin held her 19-month-old daughter, Serenity, and looked stunned to see Mayor Daniel Rizzo and City Councilor Anthony Zambuto at her front stoop. She laughed when she heard that they had chosen her to receive a free roof.
A Community-Led Roof Rescue After Tornado Strikes Revere
Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors, said her company is giving away a free roof to one Essex County family. Then, the tornado hit. Since Revere isn’t in Essex County, she pointed this out. As a result, she went back to her manufacturer and asked for help. This led to the launch of Revere Roof Rescue.
Working with Rizzo’s office, Vanderbilt solicited nominations from residents. These nominations were for families needing roof work. A tornado tore through the city’s central business district, causing the damage. This happened on the morning of July 28.
“We saw some homes that we couldn’t fix,” Vanderbilt said. “Although their needs exceeded what we can do, this opportunity fit really well.”
Valentin’s family was also the only one to receive 15 nominations. Moreover, each nomination presented a compelling reason to support them, according to Vanderbilt.
“All of the submissions said the family would give the shirt off their backs to anyone in need,” Vanderbilt explained. “Even though they don’t have much, they’re always helping others in the community.”
Vanderbilt said her supportive family raised her and taught her to treat others with kindness and respect. As a result, she immediately connected with Valentin and her husband, Clinton Angell. Their values clearly matched the same beliefs she learned growing up.
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