Chris Lambert from Life Remodeled (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WJBK) -
Volunteers are transforming a once empty lot, working around the clock to build a dream home for a family in need. The dirt is being hauled away and the stones cleared, replaced with a shell of a dream.
"We remodel lives one family and neighborhood at a time," said Chris Lambert.
He is the president of Life Remodeled, a Christian-based organization that rallies volunteers from all walks of life to help a low income family become homeowners for the first time.
"Be they Muslim, Buddhists, atheists, gay or straight, left wing, right wing, it doesn't matter. We found that most people, no matter what their world view is, they feel like helping out a low income family in this kind of way is something they want to be a part of," Lambert said.
What's it take to build a house from scratch in one week?
"A lot of prayer. There is no two ways about it. A lot of prayer," said Art Grace with Clearwater Construction.
He is overseeing the construction. Everything is being donated from the skilled labor to the wood and even the drywall. When it's finished, the one story, three bedroom, two bathroom home will be donated to the Goodwin family. The father is disabled, so the house is being built to accommodate his wheelchair needs.
The helping hand also extends beyond the new walls.
"We take families through financial training for three years. We set them up with a financial advisor, a psychologist to offer family counseling, and we also offer spiritual guidance," Lambert explained.
The roughly 200 volunteers started construction Monday. It's a big job, a true labor of love.
"I'm going to take away from this a lifetime experience of knowing what it's like to just work with a community of people that care. It's awesome," Grace said.
There is still a lot of work to do, but not a lot of time to get it done. The Goodwin family will be presented the keys to their new home Sunday afternoon. They're not the only family Life Remodeled is helping. They have plans to help at least seven other families throughout metro Detroit this year.
Sunday, June 9 2013 10:38 PM EDT2013-06-10 02:38:07 GMT
Tucker Cipriano and Mitchell Young both entered pleas of not guilty Tuesday in the brutal attack on Tucker's family. We're learning both of their attorneys want separate trials.
Tucker Cipriano and Mitchell Young both entered pleas of not guilty Tuesday in the brutal attack on Tucker's family. We're learning both of their attorneys want separate trials.
Sunday, June 9 2013 10:36 PM EDT2013-06-10 02:36:59 GMT
A brutal baseball bat murder shocked metro Detroit and helped to spark the crackdown on synthetic marijuana. Now the two young men accused in that attack are heading to trial.
A brutal baseball bat murder shocked metro Detroit and helped to spark the crackdown on synthetic marijuana. Now the two young men accused in that attack are heading to trial.
Saturday, February 23 2013 11:33 PM EST2013-02-24 04:33:03 GMT
An AK-47, three other long guns and two handguns are now off the streets of Detroit. The weapons were confiscated by Wayne County Sherrif's deputies during a raid at a suspected drug house.
An AK-47, three other long guns and two handguns are now off the streets of Detroit. The weapons were confiscated by Wayne County Sherrif's deputies during a raid at a suspected drug house.
Saturday, February 23 2013 8:56 PM EST2013-02-24 01:56:59 GMT
Michigan's road to recovery could take a big hit if congress allows $85 million in cuts to the defense department. Tens of thousands of jobs could be at risk in our state, especially in Macomb County.n.
Michigan's road to recovery could take a big hit if congress allows $85 million in cuts to the defense department. Tens of thousands of jobs could be at risk in our state, especially in Macomb County.
Monday, February 18 2013 6:38 PM EST2013-02-18 23:38:52 GMT
A mother is pained beyond words. Her three-year-old daughter was killed in a crash Sunday on Detroit's west side less than a block from her house. The chaotic scene was visible from her front door.
A mother is pained beyond words. Her three-year-old daughter was killed in a crash Sunday on Detroit's west side less than a block from her house. The chaotic scene was visible from her front door.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:38 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:38:44 GMT
After initially defying federal regulators, Chrysler abruptly agreed Tuesday to recall some older-model Jeeps with fuel tanks that could rupture and cause fires in rear-end collisions.
After initially defying federal regulators, Chrysler abruptly agreed Tuesday to recall some older-model Jeeps with fuel tanks that could rupture and cause fires in rear-end collisions.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:29 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:29:11 GMT
An angry pastor is trying to keep his cool. He is mad at whoever tore apart his air conditioning unit to steal the copper, but he also says the entire community shares the blame.
An angry pastor is trying to keep his cool. He is mad at whoever tore apart his air conditioning unit to steal the copper, but he also says the entire community shares the blame.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:46:58 GMT
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:26 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:26:33 GMT
The latest dig in the search for former Teamsters' boss Jimmy Hoffa will resume on Wednesday in an Oakland Township field. So far, crews have found two concrete slabs and animal bones.
The latest dig in the search for former Teamsters' boss Jimmy Hoffa will resume on Wednesday in an Oakland Township field. So far, crews have found two concrete slabs and animal bones.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:54:19 GMT
Who will open for Bon Jovi at Ford Field on July 18? Your vote will decide. 20 bands left in the Fox Rocks contest. Voting period: Now through July 10. Time to 'Fox Rocks' the vote.
Who will open for Bon Jovi at Ford Field on July 18? Your vote will decide. 20 bands left in the Fox Rocks contest. Voting period: Now through July 10. Time to 'Fox Rocks' the vote.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:20:44 GMT
Detroit Metropolitan Airport officials evacuated a section of the McNamara Terminal Tuesday morning after a canine picked up the scent of explosives on the apron, where planes load.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport officials evacuated a section of the McNamara Terminal Tuesday morning after a canine picked up the scent of explosives on the apron, where planes load.
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Chris Lambert from Life Remodeled (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
