"I'm overjoyed," said Trista Hopkins, an Army vet who's struggling to make ends meet
DALLAS — It was an emotional morning in the cafeteria of Edward H. Cary Middle School on Monday. Trista Hopkins — a well-liked lunchroom employee — got a gift in the form of a surprise announcement that will soon change her family's life.
It started out as a normal work day for Hopkins, who is an Army veteran and single mom. She has been struggling to make ends meet, working two jobs to support herself and two young daughters.
Hopkins knew something special was in order when media began showing up at the cafeteria and children began arriving. She then realized the focus was on her when Dennis Luellen, from the non-profit Rebuilding Together Greater Dallas, walked in and approached her.
Luellen announced: "She is the recipient of our Homes 4 Heroes program, and her home is going to be completely remodeled and rebuilt."
Hopkins immediately began to cry and collapse with emotion at the surprise, learning the dilapidated house she shares with her nine-year-old and 11-year-old daughters near Love Field is going to be gutted and replaced with the help of a program designed to improve the quality of life for veterans.
"I'm overjoyed," Hopkins shouted as she tried fighting back tears. "I'm just thankful. Just blessed. All of it. I'm just so happy. Thank you!"
Luellen said a committee selected Hopkins for its Homes 4 Heroes program after learning the small two-bedroom house which she inherited from her grandfather was falling apart.
"The ceiling caved in; the girls' bedroom and the floors had fallen in," Hopkins said as she described some of the problems with her home. The family's also been dealing with holes on the side of the house; the stairs are collapsing; there is asbestos on exterior paneling; and the inside plumbing needs major work.
Trista Hopkins — a well-liked lunchroom employee of Edward H. Cary Middle School — got a gift in the form of a surprise announcement that will soon change her family's life. Hopkins, an Army vet, will be given a home remodel from Homes 4 Heroes. WFAA
Luellen said everything will all be replaced with a new three-bedroom house.
"It means everything to my family," Hopkins said. "We finally get a place of our own, and I get to teach my girls how to cook, and they get to have their own room... and it's just amazing. It's just totally amazing."
Home Depot, Wells Fargo and Dwell with Dignity are helping with project that Hopkins and her children will soon enjoy.
Kim Turner, vice president of Dwell with Dignity, was present for the surprise announcement. "We'll handle all the furniture, drapery, artwork, two sets of sheets for every bed, two sets of towels for every person," she said. "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."
Luellen said her family will move out of its current house by the end of the month so crews can begin asbestos abatement and work on the home. The reconstruction could take five weeks or more.
In the meantime, Rebuilding Together Greater Dallas says its partner, Camden Properties, has donated an apartment for Hopkins and her daughters to share until their new home is completed.
Join the Conversation
To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs