Volunteers Save A Muskogee Family's Home From Demolition

By Craig Day, The News On 6

MUSKOGEE, OK -- A Muskogee woman's home was on the brink of being demolished, but dozens of volunteers would not let that happen and started on a project that will make this a holiday season one to remember.

Part of the roof was falling in at the home located in the 400 block of North 21st Street in Muskogee and there were holes in the walls and floor. 

The city of Muskogee wanted it torn down. Its days were numbered, but Tina Brown and her 11 children, seven still under roof, called it home.

"I just prayed and asked God to give me a miracle, and he did just that. He gave me a miracle," said Tina Brown of Muskogee.

On the scheduled demolition day, Tina Brown's miracle began. Dozens of volunteers are her miracle workers. With their saws and drills and hearts filled with kindness, they staved off the wrecking ball and started transforming the family's future.

"The house was going to be torn down. The family was going to be without a house and a home and we could do something about it," said Randy Campbell, Homes by Custom Touch.

So they did. Volunteers started rehabbing the cramped, tiny house and didn't stop there, adding a second floor. 

Just days away from the holiday, if you want to see what Thanksgiving looks like, look no further than Tina Brown's face, her eyes, and the smiles of her children.

"Thankful, very thankful," said Tina Brown.

At 3,000 square feet, there will be plenty of room for everyone.

"Who would go out of their way and their busy lives to make such a miracle happen," asked Tina Brown.

Those kind volunteers will keep working with the hopes of handing over the keys on Christmas Eve -- a Christmas gift the family will enjoy for many years to come. 

"Years from now, you can drive by and go, ‘yeah, we did that. We did that out of our heart and if we can do it, anybody can do it,'" said David Pratte, a volunteer.

"You know, God loves me so much that he has touched other people's hearts to sacrifice their lives and their hearts to make mine a little better, a little brighter," said Tina Brown.

Plenty of businesses have donated building materials, but organizers are still trying to raise the remaining $26,000 to cover costs. The Brown home makeover fund is set up at Citizens Security Bank branches in Muskogee and Tulsa.

The home will also come fully furnished thanks to the generosity of area businesses.