Five years after a devastating and fast-moving wildfire destroyed many homes in the mountain community of Grizzly Flats, two families recently received keys to brand-new homes on their property, thanks to HomeAid Sacramento and USA Properties Fund.
“They’re giving us back our community, again,” said homeowner Pat Olson, who moved into her new two-bedroom home with her husband after living in a recreational vehicle the past five years. “Thank you is not a big enough word. This is our dream home.”
A “dream home” after a five-year nightmare caused by the Caldor Fire.
The couple’s home, like hundreds of others in the tight-knit community, burned in less than 15 minutes on Aug. 14, 2021.
There was little hope and even less help for fire victims without homeowners’ insurance or whose properties were underinsured. After many efforts, including even a letter-writing campaign to the president, the federal government and FEMA refused to help residents. They had mountainside property but not enough money to build a new home.
So, HomeAid Sacramento, an organization that works with members of the North State Building Industry Association (BIA) including USA Properties Fund, and El Dorado County stepped in to give desperately needed and much-appreciated help to homeowners like the Olsons.
“This is huge for these families,” said Patrick McGuirk, Chair of HomeAid Sacramento, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 2 for the new homes.
McGuirk served as builder-captain for the two-home effort, coordinating with more than a dozen contractors, including USA Properties Fund, that donated their time, manpower and materials and oversaw the months-long project.
“After we heard of the devastation and the lack of support from the federal government and FEMA, hands went up,” said McGuirk, Vice President of Estimating for USA Construction Management, part of USA Properties Fund. “The contractors that I asked to come up here and build … every single one said, ‘I’m in.’”
‘It’s been the best project, the best work I’ve ever done’
After three months of hot days – the once tree-covered mountains are now mostly bare – and long commutes, the community is about 90 minutes from Sacramento and Roseville, construction on the second and third homes were finished in late September.
About 65 people, from community leaders to contractors, attended the ribbon cutting-turned-housewarming party.
“It’s an awesome day, filled with a lot of emotion,” said Karen Garner, Director of Planning and Building for El Dorado County. The county approved a measure to control costs, such as eliminating the need for solar panels, to make the homes possible. “It’s been the best project, the best work I’ve ever done.”
El Dorado County Supervisor George Turnboo, who lobbied the federal government to help homeowners for years, agrees and added “everyone has come together to make this happen. HomeAid has just been amazing.”
From left to right, Patrick McGuirk, Vice President of Estimating for USA Properties; Amber Celmer, Executive Director of HomeAid Sacramento; Geoff Brown, President of USA Properties; and Suzi Tartella, Manager of Contracts & Risk Administration for USA Properties.
Feature photo of ribbon-cutting in front of the Gustafson family’s new home in Grizzly Flats. Photos by Shelly Thorene.
Just ask homeowners Brian and Melissa Gustafson, who also lived in their recreational vehicle during the past five years.
“It’s been a long journey,” said Melissa, whose sister from Kansas showed up moments before the ribbon-cutting ceremony and surprised her. “We didn’t think this was possible for us. You made a dream come true for us.”
The Gustafsons were overwhelmed with emotion as they were handed the keys to their home that included new furniture in every room. About a mile away, their neighbors, the Olsons opened the front door to their new home – and a fresh start.
“We are truly blessed,” Brian Gustafson said.
