Habitat For Humanity To Start Building Home For Family Who Survived El Reno Tornado

A family that was badly injured and lost their house in the El Reno tornado will finally be getting a new home soon. Habitat for Humanity said they will be starting construction next month.

Habitat actually had a difficult time finding a lot that would suit their purposes, but now that they have secured one construction will get underway March 28.

Ricardo Escalante, his wife Maria and their two young children were in their El Reno home when the tornado hit Memorial Day weekend.

“The last thing I remember was an explosion,” said Richardo back in July.

Maria lost her leg, and the couple's 2year-old daughter suffered a broken pelvis and leg. Their home and everything in it was destroyed.

Habitat for Humanity agreed to help them. But it took them more than 6 months just to find a suitable lot.

But Monday that lot was being prepped for the home. And Habit for Humanity said a call for volunteers was answered. So, work will soon begin.

“Framing is such a fun day because we start the day with a prayer and a slab and by the end of the day the walls are up,” said Ann Felton Gilliland, Habitat for Humanity CEO & Chairman of Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity.

The home will take 12 weeks to build. Richardo has gone back to work and Maria is in therapy.  But a permanent home of their own will finally provide the foundation needed to move on.

“We’ve met with them several times and gotten to know them, so we are really looking forward to helping them and helping them rebuild their lives,” said Gilliland.

If you would like to volunteer to work on the home you can contact rick.lorg@cohfh.org