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Grateful family says thanks 1 handshake, 1 hug at a time
By DAN TUOHY
Union Leader Correspondent
Monday, Jan. 28, 2008
MANCHESTER – VOISINE FAMILY MEMBERS blinked, not quite believing their eyes, as their new home was finally unveiled on last night's episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."
Host Ty Pennington turned to Reynald Voisine on the television show, the father of four choking up with emotion.
"Dude, you all right? You feeling this?"
Voisine nodded and held up his youngest boy, 3-year-old Trevin, and pointed to a rustic sign that read, "There's no place like home."
Communities LLC, the contractor on the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” project that restored the Voisine ‘s Manchester home after it was destroyed by recent floods.
And what a home.
The bright interior showcases beautiful hardwood floors, at least two large-screen TVs, and an expansive kitchen with sparkling appliances. On the show, the boys ran upstairs to see their bedrooms, which featured beds in the shape of a car and a skateboard. Patrick, 8, had a room decked out with several new snowboards -- and a machine that blew fake snowflakes.
"This is so sweet," said Martin, 12, as he checked out his skateboard room.
As the world got its first peek inside the Voisines' new home on the television show, the Manchester family at the center of it all urged people to look out for others in need.
"You have to remember there are still families out there," Reynald Voisine said to about 2,000 people gathered to watch the show on the Jumbotron at the Verizon Wireless Arena. "Keep your eyes open. Keep your eyes open."
The Voisine family offered their heartfelt appreciation for the home, which sits on the site of the house destroyed in the Mother's Day flood of 2006.
Manchester Mayor Frank C. Guinta and Gov. John Lynch said the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" project reflected the state's can-do attitude.
This is the family room of the Voisine family’s new home on Wentworth Street in Manchester.
The program at the arena also celebrated There's No Place Like Home and Rebuilding Together Greater Manchester, which look to build on all the volunteer output and generosity. Those attending participated in a raffle to benefit Rebuilding Together Greater Manchester.
Dave Hughes, president of Rebuilding Together Greater Manchester, said the "Extreme Makeover" project helped remind people that every donation and every effort matters.
Reggie Moreau and Jon Lariviere of R.J. Moreau, the project builders, said the volunteerism over a week last October was contagious. They said they were inspired to tackle other projects and help other families in need.
"Every small thing that you do makes a difference," Lariviere said.
Moreau said the coordinators of the ABC show were impressed by the level of dedication. Besides an estimated 4,500 volunteers, about 400 businesses donated goods and services.
"New Hampshire people came out in a way that Extreme Makeover has never really seen before," Moreau said. "We're really proud of that."
Reynald Voisine said he found himself repeatedly asking himself: How does one go about thanking 4,500 people, including some he will never get a chance to meet?
He continues with his old strategy: one handshake and a hug at a time.
"It's still hard to believe. It's so overwhelming," he said in an interview before the episode aired. "It's not even like winning the lottery. People win the lottery every day."
Reynald, 35, and Casey, 33, are high school sweethearts who looked forward to building a house and making it a home with children. The couple's four children are Reynald, 13; Martin, 12; Patrick, 8; and Trevin, 3.
After the Mother's Day flood washed away part of their dream, they say their four boys helped them realize the important things in life. But still, losing their house was devastating. They turned to "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," which answered their call. The work was conducted from Oct. 18 to Oct. 24.
The rest is history, one televised last night to the nation, and another of fairy tale proportion that Reynald Voisine hopes other families can live. He encourages people to join him and his family in paying their good fortune forward.
"It definitely gives people out there, those who need help, hope," he said.
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YOUR COMMENTS
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Dear Lauren,
You asked "Why didn't the Voisine's have flood insurance?" They don't live in a flood zone that's why. The Mother's Day flood was a freak thing where the river came across the highway to there home.
Home Owner insurance does not cover flooding at all. We however had flood insurance because we live ina flood zone. We have been living on Danis Park Road since 1990 and prior ro this the only time we had water on our propery is when the dam in New Boston let go in the mid 90's and the water only came to the first stair of our house. Our flood insurance has not stepped up to pay us a fair price for our damages. For the Mother's day flood they only wanted to give us $6,000 so we had to hire a public adjuster to get us a fairer amount and then he helped us with getting our insurance company to pay for the foundation. We didnot get our foundation $ till Feb of 07(7 months after the flood). Before we could get started on our foundation the April 07 flood happened and our house was totaled. All we got was $3,000 for our lose! Fema gave us $112.00 for repairs! If it was not for There's No Place Like Home we would still be out of our home! Before you critize walk in our shoes! It's easy to say buy insurance but I know we are paying over $1,000 for our flood insurance and it's a financial struggle. When people live pay check to paycheck do you buy groceries and heat for your family or do you say sorry we have to by insurance that you (god willing) never may use.
- Kelly Herod, Goffstown, NH
While I am entirely in favor of helping people, I have to ask . . . why didn't you buy flood insurance? You are rewarding people that do nothing to protect their property and families. So many in rental properties have no insurance and then expect others bail them out. Their home should have been replaced "as before the damage" and not above and beyond it.
- Lauren, Manchester, NH
I think that this was a great opportunity, this show has been doing this for a long time and I have never thought of what other people think after all is said and done and was rather surprised to read as many negative comments as I did. Yes, it was a bit extravagant, but is that what is most important? Are we saying that people in need don't deserve that? I say if you find it unfair and unjust, do something about it and help the families you say aren't getting help. I think all the media attention to the fact that people are still in need of help after those floods is a great thing, now more people in other areas of NH can offer a helping hand to those who have not yet gotten it. So instead of saying something negative about one family that got a huge helping hand, step up and give a hand yourself. Don't rain on their parade, instead bring some sunshine to someone else's.
- Michelle, Central NH
Hey Rick, and all you nay sayers....a bit of clarification.
First as the Executive Director of There's No Place like Home, I can assure you we spent countless hours designing a template that would meet the needs of all our families. We fill the home with beautiful wood floors, ceramic in the baths and huge closets for each bedroom. Having 1100 sq ft home is a very good size home for most families. Before you spout off so disrespectfully -call me, I will walk you thru the school where students are full of pride at serving the community, I will gladly introduce you to the vendors who continue to donate and teach the students how to install their products, then if you still have questions I will gladly show you the green portions of the build---BluWood, Nickerson and Remick spray foam insulation-etc..and then let's sit and talk about what makes you so mean! Did you volunteer? Did you contribute to the rebuilding efforts? Do you have better ideas? Before you decide to knock something you know nothing about, do your homework. We provide a beautiful home hand crafted with love and pride by a community being proactive in making a difference.
Paula A Young
TNPLH
- paula young, Wolfeboro
I believe in my heart this family would be greatful for any home they can call their own. I am happy to see something so special go to a family who is greatful and has such deep roots within their community. I wish them many happy memories with their boys!
- Kelly, Manchester
It is a marvel to me that anyone can write "anything" negative about what has happened here. This family is lucky and we all should look at this as nothing short of a miracle. Miracles DO happen and thank God for that. I think the Voisine's know they are blessed and bravo to them!
- Jen, Manchester
For those who are dismayed by the size and grandeur of the Extreme Makeover homes, remember this is TV. People won't watch a show buinding several modest homes each week. Why don't you help build more practical houses? Join up with your local Habitat for Himanity. They need volunteers for all sorts of aspects - fund raising, family selection, finding sites, and of course building the homes. Go to the Habitat for Humanity International web site to find the chapter in your area. Or learn how to start one if there is none locally!
- Andrea, Windsor Mill, MD
What is the deal with the circles on the ceiling ??? And by the way, that was fair how the voisines got a huge mansion while the other family got a linkin log cabin.
- Fred Garvin, Manchester
I guess my concern over this project is the fact that while there were hundreds of families affected by the floods, instead of taking ALL that money, spreading it out equally and giving as many of those people a home, the money was spent on a grossly oversized home for one family which they would not have been able to afford had they not been given a tax break. Yes, I understand they suffered, but do they really need that elaborate a house? Couldn't something comparable to their last one have been sufficient? And I agree with some of the other posters who talk about the fact that, yeah, sure, we are all giving and amazing when the cameras are around, but as soom as they go away, are there any helpers left? I work at a place where most of the employees got involved with this. The most amazing part was that that was the only time I have seen any of them doing anything generous. Half of them don't even participate in the charities that we sponsor. I think that we are confusing blind generosity with the desire to seem generous.
- Kathy, Manchester
My favorite part of the show was watching Reggie Moreau's reaction to his Dad's picture being placed on that tree to "watch over" the job site. Reggie, I don't know you from Adam, but I have to say I know what you were feeling. And I'm certain that your Dad would be/is proud of you.
This show represents what can happen when people pull together to help each other in times of need. It used to be this way around here. It needs to be this way again. Stop being jealous of a deserving family and ask instead, can I help someone in need? You'll feel better about yourself and your community.
Not to be a pollyana, but we are a great country full of scared people. Don't turn that fear into jealousy and pettiness. Conquer it through positive actions and we all benefit.
- Bob, Manchester, NH
I had the pleasure of helping out on this project 2 days. It was a wonderful experience and would do it again in a heartbeat. It is very nice to see a community come together and help out in such a big way. Just wish it would happen more often. I just have 2 words for the Voisine Family " WELCOME HOME!!" Enjoy this to the fullest. God Bless each and every one of you.
ps thats one of my favorite songs too!!!
- Kat, Manchester,NH
Congratulations to the Voisine family! I'm SO happy for you -- you guys really needed this. I actually cried with you as I watched the show last night.
- Debi, Merrimack, NH
I live in Mississippi but was born and raised in Manchester, NH. It was so wonderful to see the city of Manchester help each other so much after such a disaster. I went through Katrina but nothing as bad as the Voisine family went through. Congrats on the new home. You more than deserve it. God bless the Voisine family, the Herod family and all the wonderful people in Manchester that helped both families.
- Kelly M, Brandon, MS
Congrats to the Voisine family. I hope you enjoy your home for many years to come. I think you deserve it.
I will not watch or support the show though. I think of the amount of excess for just one house, one family of many in need, and think that at least ten good "average" houses could've been built with the same financial effort... It's kind of like feeding only one starving person at the soup kitchen steak and lobster until he's beyond full and then give him dessert while the 100 others are lucky to get one meager bowl of soup...
- Scott, Manch
All the positive comments, GREAT,
To the few negative comments to those who made them, I have one word.... jealousy. Get over it, move on... be HAPPY for the Voisines... I bet Rey would give any darn one of you the shirt off his back if asked!!!!
- CB, Manchester
To Rick from Hooksett:
We love our modular ranch that There's No Place Like Home built for our family. We feel very blessed to have been helped by TNPLH and the NH Flood Recovery Team. They are true heros! Thank you to everyone who made our home possible, Paula Young and the TNPLH team, the sutdents from Somersworth High Schoo & Pinkerton Academy,l the neighbors who supported us emotionally and spiritually, Mom & Dad who took us in for almost 2 years and my husband's mother who took Muffin our cat in. We are eternally grateful to you all!!
Kelly Herod
Goffstown, NH
- Kelly Herod, Goffstown, NH
Hey Rick in Hookset.. I am sure the Herods where grateful to recieve a new home modular or not. Why are you so hard to please?
- Pete B, Manc
My husband and I helped with the build - I helped paint the livingroom and trim around the front door frame of the house and my husband sanded the circular abstract ceiling art in the living room - we spent a whole day there and met Ty and got in some cameos on the episode last night (yay) and had a lot of fun being involved in the whole process! We were at the Verizon last night and saw both famlies who received new houses and were really touched. Verizon did a great job and sponsors were giving out gift certificates and raffles were going on so we felt like it was really pay-it-forwad in action!
Congrats Voisine family.
- Nicole Beaulieu, Manchester, NH
Paul of Manchester sounds like just another angry soul who isnt pleased unless he is recieving the gift or greased palm as he states in his theory. But I can tell you that this house meets and exceeds all City Zoning Ordinances and if he took the time to do some real research instead of spouting in an attempt to splash bad media all over a good event. I encourage you to look into it yourselves instead of listening to a stranger who obviously isnt pleased because he didnt get a new house.. HA
- Bill Barnes, Concord
I just hope all this "giving" spreads to all the people have lost their homes recently to fires. Where are all those helpers now? I guess without TV cameras around, no one wants to lend a helping hand to help more people in the city rebuild after something destoys their home. Now let's see if Manchester can step up to the plate again.
- Jessica, Manchester
Spare me!
It is not right to buld a huge elaborate home with all the fixings and give the Herod family a modular home. Give me a break!
- Rick, Hooksett, NH
Congrats on your new house.. Its amazing being there for a few days and still realizing what you miss.. You deserve everything you got Voisine family
- chuck, concord
City Zoning Ordinances for this build where made a mockery of. I want to know who got there palms greased for allowing ABC to build this size of a home in that neighborhood. One abidding neighbor will never see the sun again. And the other has lost all of its privacy. I even have documentation from a Zoning Board member that tells me that this house should have never been approved.
- Paul, Manchester
I watched the show, and I want to say it was a GREAT pleasure to have been able to volunteer. and I thank EHMO for the opportunity , and the Voisine Family for the pleasure ! WELCOME HOME ! and GOD BLESS
- Roger, Webster
I keep thinking of Rey saying "these are my people", and for those of us at the Verizon last night, Reggie saying that RJ Moreau's offices are 2 blocks from the Voisine's home - and he had no idea they were in such need before approached to participate in this project. It's important for all of us to realize folks all around us in every day life can use our help - an hour a week, an hour a month - whatever it is, will make a difference. Welcome Home, Voisines - you are truly a deserving family who made NH proud by your grace, humility, and honesty!
- Katie, Manchester
After witnessing Hillary Clinton's performance, it was so nice to see genuine tears in New Hampshire.
How very nice to see so many people pulling together to help both families.
- Thomas Mader, Manchester NH
New Hampshire had the largest turn out of volunteers on the show. That goes to show you how thoughtful the NH citizens really are. Congrats Voisine Family! I am happy for you and your family!
- Mike, Hooksett,NH
First of all, it was nice to see that family was helped out so much. They deserved it. But dont lose sight of the fact that many others are still without. Its too bad tha we cannot help out more families so effectively.
Being personally on scene a few days during production, I now realize how sensationalized they portray the whole project. I wish they would have just showed the initial reactions of the family rather than taking numerous takes to "get it right." Are they getting it right or just showing people what they want to see?
I give it three weeks before the less desirables of this city burglarize this house. In essence, it was a sneek peek for thieves to shop on line before going in and taking for themselves. Mark my word, this house WILL be broken into very soon !!!!
Hey Voisines - get an alarm system!!
- David Dunn, Hooksett
While the folks inside were being shown the results of an extreme makeover of a family house, a group of Veterans and concerned citizens were outside passing out Flyers promoting another House in Manchester that needs an Extreme Make-over, the Liberty House Shelter for Homeless Veterans.
Liberty House provides accomodations for ten homeless vets at a time, an honorable accomplishment, but a mere drop in the bucket when you consider that it is estimated that up to 300 Vets are sleeping on the streets of NH every night, without a palce to call their own.
We managed to hand out 500 flyers before the SMG verizon Security Staff ran us off the walkway, and out to the sidewalk.
Liberty House needs your help, and as a community and a people, we should care for our vets.
- Howie Howe, Manchester, NH
I add my congratulations to the Voisine family. We lost our home to a fire in February '06. What ever takes place to re-build your home, Extreme Makeovers or insurance and contractors, there is a unique understanding of emotions that only people who have suffered such a loss can comprehend. Today is a day of celebration, as the goodness and generosity of a community was highlighted on that show. I only wish that I had known the RJ Morreau folks before we re-built. I would have hired them in a heartbeat. Great job, guys...not only the construction, but for a community well served.
- Paul Hanson, Pembroke, NH
The show was fun to watch. I was totally turned off by the woman begging for money from the spectators though. I felt humiliated for the family. Hopefully, Rey will take that money and donate to one of the many other families in need that he kept referring to.
- Jane, Derry
The show last night was fun to watch. I kept looking at the volunteers to see if I could spot someone I knew.
I thought it was funny when the young boy revealed the huge t.v. behind the scoreboard. The fathers reaction was ...omg...omg...OMG. I don't think he wanted his son to have such a huge t.v. in his room. It was a cute reaction.
- Beth, Candia
It is so nice to see all positive comments as was not the case during the build. I would like to add my congrats to the Voisine family as well... WELCOME HOME!!!
Finally!, Welcome home!!
- CB, Manchester
The house was amazing, simply amazing. The family was so gracious and so deserving. I am proud to say my son volunteered the entire week. I spent most of the night looking to see a glimpse of him. It was an inspiring show. How do we keep the momentum going?
- Susan, Manchester
Wow! The show was awesome to watch! In 3 1/2 years of bringing my daughter to St. Anselm College, I have come to have a deep affection for the Manchester/Bedford area. I read everything I could while the build was in progress and couldn't wait for the show to air. Had I known the Verizon Arena wasn't full, I would have been tempted to make the trip up there. Rey and Casey are wonderful people, and they are true representatives of all that is good in your area. Knowing of the area's specialness, I could understand why it was so important for the Voisine's to stay there to raise their family. To the Voisines and the residents of the Greater Manchester area, keep that wonderful community spirit you have going and may the Voisine family continue to be blessed.
- Dianne, Marlborough, CT
Congrats Voisine Family! It does take a community to raise a family...neighbors helping neighbors. Congrats NH on showing the world what it takes to be a good neighbor.
- Barb, Goffstown, NH
I loved the circular ceilings and the 14 year olds bedroom the best. The scoreboard was simply amazing with the TV inside. I wish they would have shown the view from the top floor overlooking the city, I can bet its beautiful.
- Paul, Nashua
We set time aside to watch both WMUR's special as well as the actual show. New Hampshire again showed why it is so special - especially Rey Voisine. What true humility he exhibited and his concern for fellow citizens in the same or worse plights was moving. Rey stated during the show that he wanted to be "just like those out there." Well Rey, you are. 4 kids have a great Dad and Casey has a wonderful partner - as she is to you.
God bless your family and thank you for your candor and emotion. You've touched the lives of many.
- Bill, Durham