Feb 15, 2008 11:23 pm US/Central
Community Renovates Home While Father Is In Iraq
NEW PRAGUE, Minn. (WCCO) ―
On Friday, a Minnesota family spent their first night in their newly-renovated home in New Prague.
The family with nine small children had been living in a house that was falling apart. Then their dad was called up for duty in Iraq.
The exposed wires and insulation was possibly dangerous for the children.
An organization called "Rebuilding Together" coordinated the repairs. More than 200 volunteers have been working on the house since November.
Friday is the first time Blake VanderWert and her kids will see the renovations, along with lots of the media.
"There's a lot of people. I wasn't expecting that many." said Blake VanderWert, wife of Minnesota National Guardsman.
The family tried to do the renovations themselves, then a storm destroyed the roof, and Jon got sent to Iraq.
"I'm so happy that the house looks so much better than it does before." said Christian VanderWert, their son.
There was only one dismal bathroom before. The old house was moldy, infested with mice, and potentially hazardous.
The county began investigating whether the house was safe for the children to live in. Blake worried she might lose her children.
The repairs were urgent -- 70 companies donated supplies, neighbors volunteered their time.
"They're over here every evening, every weekend, and they've done all the plumbing in the house," said Marty Schirber, one of the volunteers.
"Is this wonderful or what?" said Blake as she toured the upstairs of the house.
Daughter Tatyna agrees with the glowing review, sort of.
"This is a very nice job, but I wish we could paint extra," said Tatyna.
Baby Vincent got a new crib. Mom has two laundry rooms, and Dad made an appearance via the Internet.
"I'd love to see the house, and looking very much to coming home" said Sgt. Jon VanderWert, Minnesota National Guard.
His August homecoming will include a welcome from neighbors who pitched in to renovate the five-bedroom, two-bath house.
"This means more than you could ever imagine, that you've given us our home and saved our family," said Blake.
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