Designers to Build 7 Homes in 7 Days; “GMA” Covers Live Door Knock and Reveal
Earlier today, October 19, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to tornado-ravaged Joplin, Missouri to celebrate its 200th episode in historic fashion. The show surprised an unprecedented seven families with the door knock that changes lives, as the “EM:HE” design team and many others take on the series’ biggest-ever build: 7 homes in 7 days. The episode will air later this season on ABC.
On May 22, 2011, a catastrophic tornado ravaged the town of Joplin, killing approximately 160 people and destroying nearly 8,000 homes. Some of the Joplin families lost friends, some lost children, and all lost their homes. On hand at the door knock today was “Good Morning America” Weather Anchor Sam Champion, broadcasting live from the door knock with the Howard Family. “GMA” will keep viewers apprised of the progress on the build this week and next, and, in a first for “EM:HE,” will air one family’s reaction to their new home’s “reveal” live on air next WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26 (7:00-9:00 a.m., ET). Details about the other six families will be announced later.
About the Howard Family:
Kyle Howard, the father and a Joplin fireman, was at work at the fire station during the storm and spent the first two hours after the tornado not knowing if his wife and four kids had made it through alive. He made many stops along the way home through the rubble, rescuing trapped victims and tending to injured members of the community. Meanwhile Jill and their children, Konnor, Korbin and Kaleb, huddled in a closet. A door landed on top of them, which they used to deflect the debris. This ultimately saved their lives. After the storm, they had no idea if Kyle was alive, but eventually the whole family, along with eldest son Keenan, who’d been out of town, were reunited. Jill sustained minor injuries, and their home was completely destroyed — but they’re grateful it wasn’t any worse than that.
The parents and children from all seven of the Joplin families — 27 people total — will be whisked away on a dream vacation while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Paul DiMeo, Paige Hemmis, Michael Moloney and Tracy Hutson, along with Sam Clifton from Millstone Custom Homes — who is lead builder for 21 builders — and approximately 10,000 volunteers and community members build the structures.
The build location is 2402 Connor Ave. Joplin, Missouri 64804.
“EM:HE” is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.