Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Landa 615 mean?

The significance of Landa 615 originates from Bruce "Bruno" Hayn's selection to build a home for the ABC television show: Extreme Makeover Home Edition. As most viewers know, the recipients are only notified when Ty Pennington knocks on their door. However, a minimum of six weeks of preparation are needed to coordinate the building of a house in 7 days. In order to keep the construction project a secret from the family, ABC required Bruno's team to use "Project 615" as the code phrase. 615 was chosen because the show would be the 15th episode, during the 6th season.

2. What is Extreme Home 615 Foundation?

At the completion of Project 615 (Girard family castle in Voluntown, CT), Bruno knew it would not be the last project he coordinated of such magnitude. He therefore created a 501 (c)(3), non-profit organization to help other families in need. The foundation will help families rebuild or renovate their homes after experiencing overwhelming tragedy and/or hardship. Our EIN# is 26-4201600 and our DLN# is 17053-173-02503-9.

3. Why was the Landa family chosen?

The Extreme Home 615 Foundation decided to help the Landa family for a variety of reasons. First and foremost was because the family asked. They were overwhelmed, didn't know what decisions to make, didn't know where to turn, and didn't know who to trust. Having completed the Extreme Build just 6 months earlier, Bruno had a wealth of knowledge and experience to be able to provide assistance. There was a strong public outcry to help the Landa Family. There were many internet bloggers who wondered if a community could pull together to help another family in need, without all the Hollywood involvement. Many of Bruno's project leaders who helped him on the Girard home, told him "We're ready to do this again!" Because the Extreme Home 615 Foundation believes Southeastern Connecticut has the compassion and commitment to help a neighbor, friend, stranger, or fellow community member.

4. Who is in charge or coordinating this project?

Bruce "Bruno" Hayn of Home Designs by Bruno is the Principal Builder or General Contractor. He was also the principal builder for the Girard family home in Voluntown, CT. Bruno has assembled a team of various project managers to help with: fundraising, family needs, construction, materials, volunteers, etc. Many of these project managers were also heavily involved with the Girard build as well.

However, it is very important to note that the Landa family is ultimately in charge and has the final decision making authority. Unlike the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition show, Bruno has the ability to communicate with the family and he has been in constant contact with the family. They are very involved in the decision making process.

5. Is Extreme Makeover coming back to help?

While Extreme Makeover: Home Edition played an instrumental role in helping us to achieve the goal of building the Girard family a castle in 7 days, the show will not be coming back to help the Landa family. The Extreme Home 615 Foundation team is very confident and excited to build a new home for the Landa family, without tv cameras and Hollywood personalities.

6. When will this project begin and when will it end?

The Extreme Home 615 Foundation team members started helping the Landa family on July 2nd, 2009. Weekly meetings have been held with the family to discuss the project. A target date of August 1, 2009 has been identified as a start date to begin debris removal on the property, allowing construction to take place. The goal is to move the Landa family into their new home before Thanksgiving 2009.

7. How can I help?

Financial donations can be made at branch locations of both Dime bank and Putnam bank. Please also stay informed of upcoming fundraising events by visiting this web site often. We will also soon have a PayPal button, on this web site, to make donations directly to the Extreme Home 615 Foundation. In addition, this web site will also soon have a Volunteer form.