Herndon Nonprofit Founder Receives New Roof For Free

HERNDON, VA — Michelle Robinson and her family have a good roof over their heads this winter, thanks to the generosity of one local company.

Robinson, a resident of Herndon and a Navy veteran, is the founder of Summit Dog, a nonprofit organization that provides animal therapy for individuals with disabilities and special needs in the Washington, D.C. area. She's also the recipient of a new roof as part of DryHome Roofing and Siding's annual Free Roof for the Holidays program.

“Michelle is helping so many people in our community heal," said Steve Gotschi, president of DryHome, in a release. "I am so pleased we can reduce her burden so she can focus on serving those in need. She’s a hero, and we are honored to support her with a roof."

Throughout November, Sterling-based DryHome solicited nominations from the public from the community and its customers of individuals, families, or nonprofits in need. For its 2020 winner, DryHome selected Robinson, who was nominated by her work colleague Kris Campesi.

“Michelle is a veteran and the CEO of a nonprofit Summit Dog that has therapy dogs that engage with homeless, special needs children and adults, veterans, and juveniles in the DC correctional system," Campesi said, in her nomination. "She has been attempting to keep the nonprofit going despite most jobs being shut down due to the pandemic. She has been in the house since 2006 and has missing and ripped shingles. She has been spraying rubber stuff on her roof to keep it from leaking. It would take a load off her shoulders to know she and her three therapy dogs have a solid roof over their heads.”

Through its annual Free Roof for the Holidays program, DryHome thanks members of the community who are struggling to have a safe roof over their heads. Over the years, the company has donated 19 roofs valued at more than $175,000.