US Army veteran Trista Hopkins is a single mom working two jobs to provide for her two daughters.  They live in a dilapidated two bedroom house in Dallas near Love Field.  Trista got the surprise her life at her job as a cafeteria worker in a Dallas middle school.

 

Trista wondered what was up when she saw all the media including WFAA there.   Then she found out they were there for her.  Dennis Luellen, from the non-profit Rebuilding A Greater Dallas Together, told her she was getting a new house from the Homes 4 Heroes program.

 

 

 

Trista immediately began to cry. The house the family was living in was falling apart.
"The ceiling caved in; the girls' bedroom and the floors had fallen in," she described some of the problems with her home. Other problems include holes on the side of the house; the stairs are collapsing; there is asbestos on exterior paneling; and the inside plumbing needs major work.

 

Rebuilding a Greater Dallas will tear down the old place and put up a new three-bedroom house. Home Depot, Wells Fargo and Dwell with Dignity are also helping.

 

Kim Turner, vice president of Dwell with Dignity, also had some good news.  "We'll handle all the furniture, drapery, artwork, two sets of sheets for every bed, two sets of towels for every person. We'll stock their pantry, and we'll make their first night's meal."

 

"I am so thankful," Hopkins said. "I am truly truly thankful for this opportunity. Thank you."

 

In the meantime, Rebuilding Together Greater Dallas says its partner, Camden Properties, has donated an apartment for Hopkins and her daughters to live in their new home is finished.

 

 

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