Marrero Family - Camden, NJ

Doing Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was an experience that has forever changed our lives.  In the end, the Marrero's have a place they now call "home", a place with beds, food on the table, a sanctuary for each member of the family, and most importantly a new start.  But as with many things in life, it is the journey that defines the experience, not the destination

Going into an experience like this, you never know what to expect.  Are we going to be able to pull this off?  Will we have enough help?  What if something goes wrong?  But working with the crew from Extreme Makeover, our company, our trade partners, and our amazing volunteers, we accomplished everything we set out to do and more.  We are overwhelmed with both a sense of pride at having accomplished our goals and a deep humility at having been a part of something larger than all of us.

Our company was thrilled to help, giving their time and energy to work around-the-clock shifts. Our vendors and trade partners were lining up to give more and more time, services, materials, expertise... whatever they could. The amazing members of the Camden, Pennsauken, and South Jersey communities gave their love and strength to support the build for 7 straight days.

Of course, the experience was made that much more special because the patriarch of our family and the founder of our company, Jirair S. Hovnanian, was there to see it all happen.  As an immigrant to this country himself, he has always appreciated America as the "Land of Opportunity." Over and over, upon seeing the enormity of the task at hand, and seeing the success with which his family and his company were accomplishing it, he would remind all of us: Only in America.  Only in America could you rally 3,000 people to build a house in 4 days for a family who needed it.  Only in America could you broadcast the whole effort in a way that will inspire others to do the same around the country.  Only in America could you make something out of nothing, and give a family and a community a new start.

His undying love for his country is rivaled only by the pride he felt when he helped welcome the Marrero family home.  Little did we know, it would be his final act.  Jirair S. Hovnanian passed away 3 days after we moved the bus, but his lesson stays with us: if you work hard enough, dream big enough, and love strongly enough, anything and everything is possible.


Garo D. Hovnanian
J.S. Hovnanian & Sons

www.HOVhomes.com

Comments

[Caitlin]

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

What a fine man he seemed to be. May there be an uplifting of your family through the generations because of your Father's loving example.

Caitlin

[teiarea age:12]

the house was very calm and fit for them and very,very ,very nice.

[damian]

this show was very touching and it was truly amazing..
and a life touching experience that inspired me.

[Achen Doreen]

Thanks a lot for the good work you are doing in changing peoples lives for the better. May the good Lord richly bless your generosity, dedication and time used to make peoples dreams become a reality.

[Debbie G. - Illinois]

Like many millions of viewers who watch the show, I was not aware of the personal behind the scenes stories. What an amazing man Jirair Hovnanian was and what an appreciation for America he had - Bravo to you and your family for the good work you did and I know you will carry on!

[priscilla benito]

I really like the work you guys do it means a lot to the people that don't have much. I wish you could see what reaction I have when seeing these episodes. Thanks to Ty and all the hard working people for that.

[Mands]

I am in camden all the time, so i know how it is and what goes on. I love that this family has a new start. I still have not gone to visit the house, but i would love to drive by to see what it looks like. I hope this family is doing great! this story really touched me.

[JESSENIA HUERTAS]

GOD BLESS YOUR NEW HOME AND YOURSELVES AND THANK GOD AND ALSO EXTREME MAKEOVER HOME EDITION FOR THERE HELP AND GOOD HEARTS

[becky garcia duncan,okla]

May God give the family strength and courage to continue with his wonderful work love and God bless those that are kind at heart for they shall see his glory

[Mindy Cook]

How blessed your father must have felt to see this family's dreams come to fruition with the hard work of your company and all the volunteers. I know your father passed away a proud, happy father, knowing he had a hand in raising a wonderful, caring family. Good luck and God bless!

[Omolara]

your show is the best because you help people that are in need of something. You make them feel much better. Keep up the good work

[Amy]

I've seen many Extreme Home Makeovers. All are amazing. But this one was beyond amazing. The Marerro Family is extraordinary. I am greatly encouraged to see this single father of five who was able to enstill in his boys a sense of family and pride in the midst of a crime ridden neighborhood and in spite of a pantry empty of food. Every father in this nation could take a lesson from Mr. Marerro. His strength, courage, and determination to survive and to lead his boys make him one of the most honorable men I have heard of. My heart goes out to your whole family. Continue to stay strong through your special family bond. May God bless you abundantly.

And as for Jirair S. Hovnanian, his legacy lives on...through this story and all the other stories your company continues to make. Mr. Hovnanian is right...only in America. I wish all Americans had that determination and PRIDE for our country.

[Diana]

I just wanted to say how wonderful the people are on this show to help out this needy family. I'm a big fan and even being deployed in Iraq I watch this show weekly. This family literally brought tears to my eyes, keep making dreams come true!!!