BAKERSFIELD, CA - For the last two weeks we've told you about Herbert Jackson, an elderly Bakersfield man who was kicked out of his home.
For more than a week, volunteers have been working day and night, restoring Jackson's house, and Thursday night he was finally able to sleep inside his long-time home once again.
Jackson's home was heavily damaged by fire in 2008 and deemed unlivable by Kern County Code Compliance last month.
At 85 years old, you would think Herbert Jackson had seen it all. But, seeing his home brought up-to-code and then some thanks to the kindness of others, nearly left him speechless.
"Welcome home. Welcome home."
The house that Herbert built is nearly unrecognizable today.
"I mean, matter of fact it looks more beautiful than the day we had it built," Jackson said.
After long days.
"Our longest day was yesterday. We were out here from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.," said volunteer Derek Tran.
And, with the help of community leaders and volunteers.
"You know, I personally have never seen an effort like this in my life," said Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez.
Herbert Jackson is finally able to sleep inside his home once again.
"Everybody has been working together and we brought all different types of communities together and here's your keys," said Senator Andy Vidak.
"Just the fact that he's going to sleep in his own room, in his own bed tonight is priceless, just priceless," said community advocate Audrey Chavez.
After learning that Jackson had been sleeping outside of his home after it was deemed unsafe to live in, the community stepped up. They not only brought the house up-to-code but did a total makeover.
"It's pretty much, yeah, the whole house has been revamped," Tran said.
"We didn't plan on doing a home makeover, but it certainly turned into a home makeover," Chavez said.
From windows, to the wires...
"It's just like a dream," Jackson said.
From the kitchen, to the brand new carpet and furniture...
"They've given me more than I've ever had in my life," Jackson continued.
Strangers donated their time, money, and manpower to take care of one of their own.
"I don't know why, but the good Lord has blessed me, and I hope they get the same blessings from Heaven," Jackson said.
Jackson has lived in his home on Monticello Avenue since 1950 when he bought it for $6,000.
For more than a week, volunteers have been working day and night, restoring Jackson's house, and Thursday night he was finally able to sleep inside his long-time home once again.
Jackson's home was heavily damaged by fire in 2008 and deemed unlivable by Kern County Code Compliance last month.
At 85 years old, you would think Herbert Jackson had seen it all. But, seeing his home brought up-to-code and then some thanks to the kindness of others, nearly left him speechless.
"Welcome home. Welcome home."
The house that Herbert built is nearly unrecognizable today.
"I mean, matter of fact it looks more beautiful than the day we had it built," Jackson said.
After long days.
"Our longest day was yesterday. We were out here from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.," said volunteer Derek Tran.
And, with the help of community leaders and volunteers.
"You know, I personally have never seen an effort like this in my life," said Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez.
Herbert Jackson is finally able to sleep inside his home once again.
"Everybody has been working together and we brought all different types of communities together and here's your keys," said Senator Andy Vidak.
"Just the fact that he's going to sleep in his own room, in his own bed tonight is priceless, just priceless," said community advocate Audrey Chavez.
After learning that Jackson had been sleeping outside of his home after it was deemed unsafe to live in, the community stepped up. They not only brought the house up-to-code but did a total makeover.
"It's pretty much, yeah, the whole house has been revamped," Tran said.
"We didn't plan on doing a home makeover, but it certainly turned into a home makeover," Chavez said.
From windows, to the wires...
"It's just like a dream," Jackson said.
From the kitchen, to the brand new carpet and furniture...
"They've given me more than I've ever had in my life," Jackson continued.
Strangers donated their time, money, and manpower to take care of one of their own.
"I don't know why, but the good Lord has blessed me, and I hope they get the same blessings from Heaven," Jackson said.
Jackson has lived in his home on Monticello Avenue since 1950 when he bought it for $6,000.