NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. -- 2 On Your Side has been following Tim Degenhardt's story since July. He is the Niagara Falls veteran who was ripped-off by a local contractor. Degenhardt and his wife lost thousands of dollars after hiring that contractor to build a bedroom.
That person kept all the money, but never completed the work.
"This doorway right here is, was actually a closet," explained Degenhardt as he showed 2 On Your Side his new addition Monday night.
It has taken more than a year to get to this point.
"They put recessed lights in. There's a walk-in closet," he explained.
The U.S. Army Veteran lost thousands of dollars after a contractor took his money and left without finishing the job. But what happened next warmed Degenhardt's heart.
"How does it make you feel to see this all come together like this?" asked 2 On Your Side’s Kelly Dudzik.
"Well, it's unbelievable because like Kenny Tompkins said, the City Councilman of Niagara Falls, that there's over forty contractors that were involved in this. Some of them put in their own money from their pockets, and it was all donated. So, Happy Veteran's Day!" says Degenhardt.
The volunteers wrapped up their work fast enough for Degenhardt and his wife, Colleen, to get settled before he has knee surgery again in January.
The newest member of their family will have time to get comfortable, too.
“This is a new addition to my family. That's Corey. Since the incident with the contractor, my dog died at the same time. And, she just happened to come on-site around the same time. So, talk about miracles, right?" says Degenhardt.
The crews will be back next week to put in new rugs and Degenhardt will have a deck area built off the back of the house next year.