Jimmy and Barbara Winters, founders of the Newport Housing Hotline, are being recognized for more than 45 years of helping others with a brand-new roof for their Newport home, courtesy of a community partnership that came together on Thursday.
Middletown-based A1 Roofing & Construction led the project alongside the Newport County Board of Realtors Charities Committee and suppliers SRS of North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and GAF Roofing Manufacturing. The Winters’ old roof was stripped off and a new one completely installed by A1’s Community Hero Roof Crew in just one day.
Jimmy Winters, a retired 30-year veteran of the Newport Police Department, started on the force as a communications and safety dispatcher before becoming a community police officer, a role he served in for 26 years. He was named Officer of the Year in 2011.
In 1978, he founded the Newport Housing Hotline, one of the first in the country, to aid Newport’s homeless population. Since then, the Housing Hotline has grown to assist more than 100,000 individuals and families with basic needs and emergency support, including emergency shelter in local hotels during winter months, utility and fuel assistance, clothing, food, bus fare, legal referrals and workshops.
When the roof on the Winters’ own home in the northern part of Newport needed replacing, the NCBR Charities Committee approached A1 Roofing & Construction to lead the effort.
“Having known Jimmy Winters for decades, I could not think of anyone who has given so much back to the Newport community. His perseverance to help others goes far beyond his years and efforts as a dedicated police officer with his founding of the Housing Hotline,” said Sean Napolitano, president and owner of A1 Roofing. “When we were contacted by the NCBR Charities Committee regarding the Winters’ roofing needs, it was an immediate ‘Yes, we’ll help!’ to donate whatever was needed along with assistance from our supply partners SRS and GAF.”
Barbara Winters said the couple was overwhelmed by the gesture.
“Over so many years, the entire community has always been supportive of the Housing Hotline with all their donations. Jimmy and I just never imagined that we would be the recipient of such a tremendous gift. We are so very grateful,” she said.
Meredith LeBlanc, president of the NCBR Charities Committee, said the project was a way to honor the Winters’ legacy.
“Jimmy Winters exemplifies what it means to serve community with genuine heart and dedication. As co-founder of the Housing Hotline and a longtime member of the Newport Police Department, he and Barbara have spent decades ensuring that Newport’s most vulnerable residents have a place to turn,” LeBlanc said. “Their lifelong commitment to this city is an inspiration, and the NCBR Charities Committee is proud to honor that legacy by helping ensure they have a safe roof over their heads.”
The Newport Housing Hotline, a 501(c)(3) agency, serves as a resource and referral service for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in Newport County and across Rhode Island. More information is available at newporthousinghotline.com.
