Woman displaced by Hurricane Harvey has home rebuilt by veterans

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - An east Houston woman who was devastated after the loss of her home during Hurricane Harvey has received the surprise of a lifetime. Her home was completely rebuilt and a welcome home party thrown to celebrate her return.

78-year-old Estela Beaudreault was recently discharged from the hospital when Hurricane Harvey hit. Instead of recovering at home, she would face the most tragic event in her life.

“The following day I was up in the trucks getting all wet and everything. I was just ready to give up, it was like part of my heart was gone and I said 'I’m too old already how much longer am I going to live,'" Estela said.

She was displaced after her home was destroyed by two feet of water, and she considered the fact that she would be homeless since she couldn't’t afford the repairs. But then, an answer to her prayers when she was selected to have her home rebuilt by Team Rubicon, a non-profit that gives veterans the chance to continue their service by helping those affected by natural disasters.

“These are people that are highly trained. They know how to work in teams. They know how to follow orders. They know how to work hard. It’s always been about mission accomplishment for them and they bring that same attitude here to the job site,” says Jake Wood, CEO of Team Rubicon.

There is a budget of about $35,000 per home, and all the funds come from donors. SBP, a rebuilding organization, helps find the clients that need new homes based on their financial status and the level of severity. Estela's home is the first of 100 that these two organizations will rebuild for Hurricane Harvey victims.