Local

Ch. 2 gets inside look at Tripp Halstead's new home

JACKSON COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News a got sneak peek into what Tripp Halstead's new home will look like.

Just last week, Channel 2's Dave Huddleston talked to Tripp's family about his recovery after being hit in the head by a tree branch in October.

The family has been staying at Tripp's grandparents' home until the new home is ready.

Huddleston met with the contractor Friday who is making adjustments to Tripp's new home in Jackson County.

"We pretty much gutted the house and (are) redoing a lot of stuff," contractor Danny Phillips said.

Phillips took Huddleston through the Halstead's home to get an early look of what it will look like before its July completion date.

Holly Ranney, of the charity Sunshine on a Rainy Day, is the driving force behind this project.

"Just seeing the smiles on the Halsteads every time we see them, we give them hugs. They're so appreciative," Ranney said.

Some of the improvements include a therapy area with equipment and medical storage.

Ranney said there will be plenty of room for a live-in nurse to help care for Tripp, plus room for entertainment.

Phillips volunteered to be the general contractor on the project. He has put in 12-hour days, but said it's worth it.

"I go on Stacey's website every day and read all her posts," Phillips said. "I get done reading it and it makes me want to be a better person, a better father and it makes me want to do better at what I do for a living."

Philips said what he and his crew are doing is more than renovating a foreclosed house. He says they're building Tripp a home.