Work begins on ‘Extreme Makeover’ homes in Joplin

Clifton, who lives in Springfield, characterizes Joplin’s process of rebuilding as slow.

“I think people are waiting to see what the community will do, if their neighbors will rebuild.”

The “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” project will involve a massive undertaking in a short amount of time. But Clifton has no worries the homes will be finished on time. All seven were progressing nicely on Wednesday, with newly-poured foundations poured, floors in place, walls already up. One house already had the beams for the roof.

Each of the homes has a different design, with exteriors a mix of siding and stone.

Volunteers are working 12-hour shifts, and work is going around the clock.

“We’ve got people that lost their houses who wanted to come help us,” Clifton said.

All of the materials for the project were donated, and churches in Joplin are working together to prepare about 30,000 meals for those involved in the building process.

It’s not the first time Clifton was involved in an “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” project. In 2009, his Millstone Custom Homes led the effort to provide a new home for the Hampton family in Ash Grove, Mo.

Despite the heartbreak and tragedy in Joplin, the makers of the show have been overwhelmed by the spirit, Korman said.

“There is such a heart here in Joplin,” she said. “It’s such a strong community.”

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