PORTER, Texas — Just in time for Christmas, a local veteran and his family got the keys to their new, free home.
KHOU 11 News was there to capture the celebration.
From a mini parade to a ribbon-cutting ceremony, amputee Cpl. Matt Houston and his family walked into their brand-new house in the Highlands community in Porter.
The home was gifted to them by local nonprofit Helping a Hero and a team of sponsors.
They were surprised with the news about the house in March on Great Day Houston, but Tuesday was the big reveal.
From wider hallways and door frames, the home is wheelchair accessible and will provide Houston, who wears a prosthetic, independence.
Houston enlisted in the Army after 9/11 and was injured in an explosion two years later.
During his deployment, he met his wife, Theresa. They fell in love and had three children.
The Houstons said the new home means everything to their family.
"We are so thankful. We're so happy to get into it and to start our new life. We've never lived this type of life before," Matt said.
A lot of thought went into the design of the home. There are no stairs and it's a one-story house.
"We're both combat-disabled veterans, so it's going to help both of us greatly, especially as we age," Theresa said.
Their kids are looking forward to the new house. The youngest already found a good hiding spot and the two oldest no longer have to share a bedroom.
For the family of five, it's not just a home, but a gift that will keep giving.
"It's moving and inspiring when you see so many people that they didn't forget about us, they do care, and it touches you," Theresa said.
They said their first order of business is to get a golf cart to enjoy all of the outdoor amenities their new community provides.
If you’d like to nominate a hero who has served and needs adapting housing, Helping a Hero is currently accepting applications for 2024. For details, click here.