Volunteers build a family a new home for free as part of a way to help them rebuild their lives

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) - Volunteers aim to build a new home for a family in just six days, but they are not just building a structure, they are helping rebuild lives with their unique approach.

The new home is being built in Farmington Hills for the Goodwin family, a couple in their 30s and their daughter.  The family lost their mortgage company and then their home when the real estate market collapsed.

“The Goodwins are the same as any other family that you hear has a story right now,” said Becky Wilson who is helping on the build. 

She said what makes the family different is what happened to Mr. Goodwin when they moved to Texas to rebuild their life.

That is where he got hurt working construction. A spinal injury put him in a wheelchair and brought the family back to metro Detroit.

“He lives on a pain scale of 9 out of 10 on a very regular basis. He pushed himself just too hard yesterday to even come today,” said Wilson. 

Dozens of volunteers will do the hard work for him this week and give up their time and paychecks to build the wheelchair friendly home. 

“There is a handicap accessible ramp in the garage, which is where they wanted it. We also widened all the doors so they had access to the entire house, and the master bath shower has been converted to a free step-in shower so there is no trip hazard,” said Art Grace of Clearwater Construction Services. 

The Walled Lake company is just one of a dozen companies that donated materials and workers for the job.

A non-profit corporation called Life Remodeled brought everyone together and gathered the donated materials. The 501 (c) (3) was founded last year by Pastor Chris Lambert of Ekklesia Church in Westland.

 “We had a lot of contractors and friends who worked in construction in our church so we thought about building a house. And one thing led to another,” said Pastor Lambert. 

He said they soon realized that a new home is just the foundation. They also set families up with financial training, counseling, and spiritual guidance.

“All of that would be in the midst of relationships that last at least three years and beyond,” said Lambert.

Lambert works to coordinate volunteers from churches in areas where they build projects.

When volunteers come out for a project they really get into it.  They don’t just help the people on the primary project. They help everybody in the entire neighborhood as part of a beautification process. 

The group repainted homes, built new porches, and even did yard work for other families. 

Life remodeled picked the Goodwin from 50 different applicants. The non-profit has a goal to build five more new homes this year, hoping that people in darkness will see a great light.

A ribbon cutting will take place this Saturday. That is also the time that the Goodwin family can move into their new home.

The group’s first build was last year for a family in Westland. They also built new homes in Pontiac and Hazel Park.

Once in the home families are responsible for taxes and utilities.

To learn more about Life Remodeled or to see about applying for a home, visit their website at: www.liferemodeled.com