A “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is not just a television show, it’s about helping people. At the end of this season, we will have helped almost 200 families have a new start, and that makes us very proud.
Q How many homes have been constructed since the series started?
A 170. We continue to get 1000 requests a week.
Q How have the homes changed through the years in terms of size, materials, etc.?
A In the first season, we just remodeled homes, but starting in the second season we began to do new home construction and we found this was a better way to build. With a remodel, you never know what is behind the walls.
Q Of the homes that have been built, how many of the families have run into problems — foreclosures, or inability to pay utilities, etc.?
A Like many homeowners in the nation, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” families aren’t immune to the current state of the U.S. economy. We are striving to build greener, more affordable and environmentally responsible homes.
Q Do you keep in touch with the families after the build?
A Yes. From the first family to the build that finished this week. We have been inspired by our families, communities and builders who have continued to pay-it-forward after we leave town. It is not uncommon to see families at future builds lending a hand. The Beach family from Kemah, Texas, adopted another child after we left. Kristina Ripatti, the LAPD officer, who was shot and paralyzed in the line of duty, was able to do the “Race Across America” in nine days on a hand cycle.
Q Are there resources available to the family once the show is complete?
A The show advises each family to consult a financial planner to help them understand and budget for any expenses that they may occur as a result of their new home.
Q How many people view it?
A Each week the show averages 10 million viewers. It airs in syndication on CMT and TV Land, it also airs in 69 countries around the world.
Q How has the show evolved over the years?
A When I signed up to do the show, it was for five episodes. We have now finished 170 of them. And it is still nothing short of a miracle to pull it off. I watch as hundreds of people who have never met and never met the family, come together just because it’s the right thing to do. It’s really heart-warming to see it happen all over this country, even when times are tough. People can be great and treat each other well, I have witnessed the best of humanity on this show. There is no problem we can’t solve if we all work together. That is the metaphor I hope this show can continue to provide. It’s all about hope and love. And that’s the truth.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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