A Family
Journey Toward
Self-Sufficiency

At East Texas Homestead, we believe that anyone can take control of their home, their future, and their family’s well-being. Our story is about finding the courage to step away from the systems we once relied on and build a life of freedom, independence, and purpose.

Hi, I’m Eric

A little about me

Aside from being a husband, a father of four boys, and a web agency owner, I’m the heart and hands behind East Texas Homestead. After leaving behind the “normal” suburban life, I’ve become a jack-of-all-trades—from solar power systems to permaculture design, building DIY setups, and everything in between.

But let’s back up a bit.

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How It All Started

Like many, we were once caught up in the suburban grind. We owned a house we couldn’t afford, worked full-time jobs just to keep the lights on, and felt stuck in a cycle that wasn’t serving our family.

But in 2008, the world around us began to shift, and we knew it was time for a change.

The journey began with a wake-up call: an economic crash, rising debts, and the realization that the systems we had trusted were no longer working for us. Around the same time, our first son was diagnosed with serious health issues not long after he was born. With both of us working long hours to pay the bills, it was clear something had to give.

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Building from the Ground Up

That’s when we made a bold decision: to move out of the city and start fresh on a few hundred acres of family land in East Texas. We spent a few years living with our parents and saving, bought an old mobile home, tore it down to the studs, and rebuilt it from the ground up. What began as a quest to escape debt quickly turned into a deep love for homesteading and self-reliance.

We wanted to live a life where we could depend on ourselves, not broken systems. That meant learning everything from permaculture and energy independence to DIY projects and sustainable living practices. Today, we share everything we’ve learned—mistakes and all—so you can do the same.

What We Stand For

At the heart of East Texas Homestead is the belief that anyone can create a self-sufficient life with the right mindset and tools. We’re here to help you gain independence from the grid, build resilience, and create a home that’s safe and prepared for whatever comes next.
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Here’s what drives us:

  • Family First – Our family is the center of everything we do. Whether it’s teaching our kids the value of hard work or creating a safe, sustainable home, we’re committed to building a future where they can thrive.
  • Faith Without Preaching – Our Christian faith plays a big role in our lives, guiding our decisions and keeping us grounded. While we don’t push our beliefs on others, we believe in sharing our journey with honesty and grace.
  • Practical Self-Sufficiency – We’re not dreamers—we’re doers. Everything we share is based on real-life experience. We’ve weathered snowstorms without power, survived health crises, and built a life from the ground up, one step at a time.
  • Critical Thinking – We question the systems around us, challenge assumptions, and explore innovative ways to improve our quality of life. Our goal is to help you do the same: think for yourself and build a future on your terms.
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Why Follow

Our Journey?

At East Texas Homestead, we’re not here to show you perfection—we’re here to share real life.

Our story is messy, full of lessons learned the hard way, and filled with the kind of practical, no-nonsense advice that can help you make lasting changes in your own life. We connect all the pieces: energy independence, food security, and family resilience, so you can start living with more freedom and confidence.

Let’s Build A

Safer Future For Our Families

If you’re ready to explore a different way of living—one that prioritizes preparedness, family, and future-proofing—we invite you to follow along with our journey. Check out our videos to get started, or contact us if you’re interested in collaborating.
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