Her husband used to beat her frequently,
1. Escaping Abuse
Domestic violence traps many families in fear. Cara Brookins, a mother of four, lived in a long-term abusive relationship filled with control and violence
. Unable to afford a safe, spacious home, she made a bold decision in 2008: to build one herself.
2. A Spark of Hope
While heading to a rented cabin near Little Rock, Arkansas, she saw a tornado-damaged house and felt inspired.
“It was a dream home that revealed itself,” Cara recalled in an interview with THV11.
3. Building From Scratch
Without construction experience, Cara and her children used YouTube videos and help from local workers to build a 3,500-square-foot house.
Each child got their own room, and the process brought them closer together.
4. Global Impact
Their story of resilience went viral worldwide with over two billion views.
Cara later wrote “Rise: How a House Built a Family” and became a symbol of hope and strength for survivors everywhere.
