Two-Part Special Airs on First Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina at 9pm ET on DIY NetworkKnoxville, Tenn. – July 2006 – Assembly Required, DIY Network's exploratory half-hour series on pre-fab homes, provides hope and encouragement with its two-part second season finale "Operation Home Delivery." On the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina (Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 9pm ET), this Assembly Required special documents Habitat for Humanity International's inspirational commitment to rebuilding the lives and communities in the Gulf Coast.
Last November, as the nation continued to reel from news of the far-reaching devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Habitat for Humanity International transformed the National Mall into a framing home factory, with the goal of pre-building 51 new homes – one for every state and the nation's capitol – in just one week.
This special two-part edition of Assembly Required follows the efforts of Habitat construction house leader Jillian Gross, as she leads her team's efforts to pre-build walls for houses in Washington, D.C., as well as heads down to Thibodeaux, La., to oversee an incredibly ambitious Habitat Blitz Build of one of these pre-fab homes. Along the way, Gross meets the Carringtons, a family devastated by Katrina and scheduled to move into the home. Unfortunate circumstances forced the Carrington family to ride out Katrina, and they have been living in a small, unsafe and badly damaged rental ever since. "Operation Home Delivery" captures the motivation and dedication both Gross and her volunteer crew share in creating the Carrington’s home in only six days.
The second half-hour of "Operation Home Delivery" (Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 9:30pm ET) focuses on Habitat's Blitz Build in Louisiana's Bayou Blue subdivision and the "ups" and "downs" of building the Carrington's home in less than one-week. The Carrington home is underway, but materials are scarce in the Gulf Coast. At the end of the first day, not everything scheduled has been accomplished. Gross and her Habitat crew become truly frustrated. A visit from the Carrington children gives the team a renewed sense of energy, as they experience a week full of challenges, frustrations, love and joy.
Tune into DIY Network's special Assembly Required: Operation Home Delivery as everyone works until the last minute to help the Carrington family build their first home. This DIY special is a compelling story of disaster and triumph, and will take viewers on one of the most emotionally and physically-demanding home builds they'll ever witness.
The Carrington Family
The Carrington family – Chris and Melissa, and their three children Briana, Christopher, and Jacob – have had their lives turned upside down by several hurricanes. Hurricane Isadore and Lily hit them hard in Dulac, La., rendering them homeless for nine months. Soon after settling in Thibedoux, La., they found themselves in the path of Katrina. Unfortunate circumstances forced the Carrington’s to ride out the storm – a harrowing experience they’ll never forget. Melissa Carrington works the nightshift as a cook to support her three children and her husband, who is unable to work due to a disability. The Carringtons applied for a Habitat home, but were so accustomed to hearing the word "no" from people, they didn’t hold out much hope. Assembly Required: Operation Home Delivery shows how Habitat for Humanity continues to come through for families like the Carringtons.
About Habitat For Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in Americus, Ga., in 1976, Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses in nearly 100 countries, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.
About DIY Network
DIY Network is your television source for the best know-how and how-to when it comes to any type of do-it-yourself project. DIY presents 90 percent original programming across a broad range of categories including home building; home improvement; automotive and boating; crafts; gardening; hobbies; living; and woodworking. Informational and entertaining, DIY’s programs and experts answer your most sought-after questions, plus offer creative projects that will inspire you to do something out of the ordinary – yourself. DIY’s Web site, www.DIYnetwork.com, features step-by-step instructions for all that you see on-air, totaling more than 15,000 projects online. These companion resources instruct millions of people everyday, which is why DIY is one of the fastest growing digital networks – currently in more than 37 million homes – and DIYnetwork.com averages over 2.5 million unique visitors per month.
