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Wendy W.
Home Rescue

Wendy is a veteran currently living in Killeen, TX. She is medically retired from the Army and in need of some desperate help!

During Winter Storm Uri in 2020, Wendy's pipes exploded beneath her floor in several places, and after battling with insurance companies for years, the problems still have not been fixed.

During this time period, the leaks have caused so much damage to her home, Wendy had to move her daughter across the street to a neighbors. Wendy on the other hand, sleeps most nights on a mattress on the floor of a back room addition which could come down at any time. She has been working constantly to support her family and friends while tirelessly trying to get her house cleaned out, hoping she may one day be able to move her daughter back in.

While no one has occupied the interior of the house for almost a year, neighborhood cats and animals have taken refuge inside, crawling inside through all the holes scattered throughout the floor from failed maintenance attempts by plumbers. The house is covered floor to ceiling in animal urine and feces, making it completely unlivable.

It is not safe for anyone to be inside this house.

But no challenge is too extreme for Surplus Americans!

Please check out her story, join us and our partners in our journey, and help us in our mission to bring Wendy and her daughter back into a safe home!

Small sample of animal take-over.

A large hole left by failed plumping attempt.

The mattress where Wendy frequently sleeps.

The only bathroom in Wendy's House.

Mission Phases

1

Initial Walk-Through

Our initial walk-through consists of evaluating both the property and the veteran to determine if a project is viable for Surplus Americans to take on.

We asses the state of the home and calculate what the total cost may be for all renovations.

We also evaluate the veteran to better understand the circumstances surrounding the emergency they have found themselves in.

2

Demolition &
Abatement

The Demolition and Abatement phase consists of a post-assessment determination of hazmat abatement necessity. In many cases dealing with a large number of animals, this is required for safety and health concerns of the veteran and their family.

Following the abatement, Surplus Americans and its partners are able to put together our first volunteer opportunity. We address all necessary demolitions around the property required before all major and minor repairs can begin.

3

Major Repairs

Major repairs can include, but are not limited to: new roof, foundation leveling, and even a new AC/Heating system. Typically these repairs are funded through Grants, Corporate Donations, and Community Business Sponsorship.

Our partnering general contractor assesses and approves the requirements making sure to follow all local safety standards.

4

Minor Repairs

Minor repairs are accomplished through skilled labor, both volunteer and contracted. Our goal is to prepare the property for remodel and make it as safe as possible for Home Remodel and Reveal Weekend.

Minor repairs can include, but are not limited to: Plumbing, electrical, drywall, flooring, and carpentry.

5

Home Makeover & Reveal

Cosmetic Renovations is where all the fun happens! Surplus Americans, project partners, and an army of volunteers take control of the clients house for an entire weekend and transform the veteran's house back into a home!

Over a 48 Hour period, the veteran and their family are relocated to off-site accommodations for a relaxing, activity filled weekend, while volunteers clean, paint, furnish, and landscape their home!

Projected Costs

Our cost projections for this mission have been broken down into several categories:

Major Repairs
Minor Repairs
Materials
Lodging & Activities
Volunteers
Surplus Americans Admin/Marketing

A table has been provided to show the cost of each specific project. This makes it easy to see exactly how your donations will be used, as well as make it possible for you or your company to sponsor your own project!