Pimp Your Crib

We just got word that ABC show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will be doing a show in Austin and is currently in the process of searching for a local worthy family.

To be honest, we've never seen that show except for tiny snippets at the end while we were waiting for Desperate Housewives to start. But from what we've seen, it appears that they give seriously kick-ass makeovers to the homes of really inspiring families. As much as we'd love a makeover for our own home, we're pretty sure we aren't worthy. The only thing extraordinary about us is how messy we've allowed our home to become, which doesn't seem like the kind of thing they're looking for.

But maybe you know a family who really needs and deserves some extra help?

Here's the info from a letter the show's casting producer sent out to local neighborhood associations:

We are in the process of casting an inspiring family for our 4th season and I was just given the task of finding a family in Austin.
I am writing to you hoping that you will be able to help us in our effort to find an inspiring family. I am contacting community associations throughout the Austin area to ask you to help me get the word out and see if anyone in your organization might know of a family that could use our help.

If you have seen our show then you know that we build houses for amazing families in need. We are looking for inspirational families that America can really root for. This makeover will be the answer to their prayers. This season we’d like to feature some real heroes…people that have given something back to the community and yet have put aside their own needs. We are looking for families whose homes are in dire need of help.

To be eligible, a family must own their own single family home or at least property on which a home can be built. Plus, they must be able to show producers how a makeover will make a huge difference in their lives.

Interested families should e-mail a short description of their family story to:
casting4(@)emhe.tv

Nominations must include the names and ages of each member of the household along with a description of the major challenges within the home.

The deadline for hero nominations is September 6. I know it is short notice, but I do appreciate any leads you might have to find a great Austin family.

Thank you for your time and attention.

These guys really go all out in terms of setting families up in style and accommodating all kinds of special needs. So think about the families you know around here. Any worthy contenders come to mind?

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By austinist_ami in News on August 31, 2006 8:50 AM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

anon

If they didn't get those types of people then the show would lose its value and its viewers and in turn its sponsors; and then guess what...no one gets a free remodel or rebuild that is deperately needed because they can not afford to do it anymore. I thought the reason they were doing it was pretty obvious, but apparently not.

Jooley Ann

Also, why does it always have to be rare illnesses and deaths (or near deaths) of children that qualify? What about being laid off for the umpteenth time? Not sexy enough, is it? What about being gentrified out of your neighborhood? *Really* not sexy, eh? Those are some very Austin stories. Bet they don't go with that kind of angle, though.

eliz. s.

Plus, I always wonder about the energy-efficiency of the huge houses they build. Can a low-income family afford to pay the energy bills for their new ginormous house?

Just a thought.

eliz. s.

anon - Helping people out is not the issue. I'm sure they will have no problem finding a family in need in Austin. I just don't like the whole exploitation angle that they use to do so. More power to them for helping out, but I don't like the way they go about it.

anon

I think eliz is right on this one. They shouldn't be seeking out families with hardship and tragedy. What they should be doing is finding one of the really rich people that live on Lake Austin and find out if they need their 8000 sq. ft. lake mansion remodled completely for free. Its a tragedy that those people can only tear down and rebuild their homes every few years. Screw the families with killed children or life ending diseases. Why does it always have to be about that? Why can't some normal rich white folks get a free ride for once?

eliz. s.

But they still won an Emmy this year. . . for what that's worth.

eliz. s.

umm, that show is really hokey. And don't forget this:

"ABC's "Extreme" Exploitation"

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0327062extreme1.html