Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Shelley Osterloh Reporting A Sandy family faced with a debilitating disease is getting a new chance at a better life. A volunteer group, called Heart to Home, is building them a brand new house in just two weeks.
The house's foundation is in, the framing is done, electricians and plumbers are busy, and the roof goes on tomorrow. It's amazing so much has gotten done in just five days.
We introduced you to the Smeltzer family a week ago. David suffers with a neurological disease that has left him weak, disabled and in need of a wheelchair. He also has two children who have the disease.
But when volunteers from Heart to Home found his house was not accessible, they decided to build a new one.
So Monday afternoon, they tore down the old house. And in four days of building, workers have accomplished much. Even these skilled workers are amazed at the speed and progress.
Garret Smith, framer: "I've never seen a house framed in two days. It's madness."
David Alam says he heard about the project on TV and wanted to help. So did 73-year-old Jack Dodson.
Jack Dodson, Volunteer: "I just like helping people. People need help, I figure that's what people need to do."
General contractors Sean Foote and Bart Brockbank asked their subcontractors to volunteer as well. At least 50 workers showed up.
Sean Foote/ General Contractor: "Plumbing, heating, electrical, framing, sawtack guys. You name it, they are in there."
Bart Brockbank, Foote Homes: "We've been with most of these guys for six years or plus. Half of them don't even know each other, but they came together, because they aren't in the house at the same time."
Sean Foote General Contractor: "You'd think that having so many people working together they'd get in each other's way, but they all work together. They know it's going for a good cause and it's just been great to watch."
Tommorrow the sheetrock, the roof and the stucco goes up.
The plan is for the Smeltzer family to move back into their twice as big, new handicap accessbible home October 24. That is just 11 days away. A week from tomorrow, there will be a huge nieghborhood make-over too.
