rExtreme Home Makeover, the popular Sunday night ABC network television show announced yesterday they have informed the Johnson-Goslee family, with their famous knock on the door, that they have been selected as the newest family to have their home rebuilt and featured on the Emmy Award winning reality TV show.
With the help of local businesses and community volunteers they will be rebuilding a home for the deserving Mardela Springs family in need of an upgraded home specific to their special needs. Mardela Springs is located near the city of Salisbury, Maryland.
Tragically, on Christmas Eve 2010, 16-year-old Wyzhir Johnson-Gosless was working diligently with his grandfather to improve their 80 year old home, currently in a state of disrepair. According to show producers, the project that Wyzhir was leading was almost complete when his jacket became entangled with the teeth of the fast moving miter saw blades. Attempting to release himself, Wyzhir fell backwards, causing the saw to fall on him and ultimately sever his left hand. Unfortunately his hand could not be preserved.
Despite his loss, Wyzhir returned to school and has continued giving back, according to a news release provided by Chic Communications. Among his many projects has been fundraising to support the restoration of an African-American schoolhouse built in the 1800s.
Meanwhile, the house remains in disrepair. The walls in the house are not leveled and the ceilings inside the house are only 6 feet tall, 2 feet short of the standard height. The house also lacks correct plumbing and currently has no working showers or bathtubs.
Two lead partners --The Fusion Companies and Salisbury University will be providing expertise, labor, and support for the project. The Fusion Companies, led by Wes and Josh Simms, are based in Annapolis and will be the lead builder for the project. "We are so excited to be a part of this project," says Wes Simms, "It means so much to the community. Not just the family that gets to move into the house, but all the volunteers who's blood, sweat, and tears are a part of the project."
Salisbury University, the other lead sponsor, will be providing many of the volunteer laborers. "We have a history of civic volunteerism on campus," says spokesperson Susan Eagle, "so it is a perfect project for us.. Any student who wants to be involved can come out. It's going to be a lot of fun and we can't wait!" The show, which will document the project, is currently scheduled to be aired either later November or early December.
Volunteers (skilled and unskilled) are welcome to sign up via the Extreme Makeover website: joinextreme.com/maryland. Currently the project is also seeking donations of framing materials. For more information about the project contact previously posted contact Sarah Strid at sarah@emhe.tv.
