- April 28, 2024
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Scott Falany, of My Affordable Roof; Terri Shurdom, of The Ormond Agency; Rene, who received a free roof; and Jessica Melton, of Realty Pros Assured. Photo by Wayne Grant
Chamber of Commerce members from Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach gathered at Realty Pros Assured to present a new roof and other items to a person in need. Photo by Wayne Grant
“I’ve seen God at work in every stop of my journey,” said Rene, whose last name is withheld because she recently escaped an abusive domestic situation.
Her journey included moving to the Daytona Beach area, where she has been helped by several area businesses in starting a new life.
“These folks are heaven-sent,” she said. “I can’t believe everything they are doing.”
On Dec. 15, she received a certificate for a free roof from My Affordable Roof on the modest house she purchased here. She also was told that new floors would be installed by Dollar Floor, and she should make plans the next day to pick out furniture.
“It’s a Christmas miracle,” said Bill Navarra, owner of Realty Pros, where the presentation was held at the main office, 900 W. Granada Blvd.
Rene said she had to escape her situation in Oregon. The domestic abuse was also affecting her son, who is autistic. One of the biggest factors in moving to Florida, she said, is that her son has seasonal affective disorder, where the person gets depressed when there is lack of sunlight. In addition, her son was depressed because of their domestic situation.
After divorcing and relocating to the area, she decided to buy a house with her settlement, rather than be burdened with rent. She was having trouble finding a place she could afford, so she met with Realty Pros Realtor Jessica Melton, who determined to help her.
“I’m going to get this done!” Melton recalls thinking.
Rene purchased a house, but it has several problems, including a hole in the roof, preventing her from getting insurance.
BUSINESSES WORK TOGETHER
Meanwhile, My Affordable Roof was looking for a deserving person to receive a new roof.
The idea for the giveaway started at Ormond Beach Riverfest, where the roofing company had a booth, giving away cups and other items. That’s when employee Dennis Smith came up with the idea to give away something meaningful that would enrich a person’s life.
“What better way than to give a roof, something that will last years to come?” he said.
Also at the festival was Terri Shurdom, of The Ormond Agency, an insurance company, who talked with My Affordable Roof and then contacted Realty Pros about finding a person in need.
When Melton heard about it, she immediately nominated Rene.
Rene fought back tears when asked what she thought about her new friends.
“I feel like this is where I belong,” she said.
My Affordable Roof owner David Boggs told Rene that she now had a team of people to help her when she needs it.
“Look at all these handymen you have,” he said, pointing to some of his workers who were at the presentation.
“This is where you want to be as a company,” he said. "Where you can help people.”
Scott Falany, of My Affordable Roof, said the company was getting furniture for Rene at cost from Florida Coastal Furniture.
“It makes for a joyful season when companies unite together to help families rebuild a home where they can have peace and stability,” he said.
Also in attendance was Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, along with his son.
“I brought my 5-year-old because I want him to see this,” Henry said. “I want him to see there are folks who really care.”
Shurdom said it was an example of the area chambers of commerce and businesses working together.
“It’s all about teamwork,” she said.
