Caldor Fire survivors get keys to new homes

The fifth anniversary of the raging Caldor wildfire that destroyed an entire community and left little more than shattered dreams and broken hopes was marked by a celebration of resilience and grit, partnership, and a sense of long-forgotten optimism in Grizzly Flats when keys to the first two of 12 planned new homes were turned over to fire survivors. The two new homes were made possible because of the Caldor Fire Grizzly Flats Homeowner Rebuild Program, a partnership between El Dorado County and HomeAid Sacramento. For the past five years, many fire survivors have been living in RVs, unable to afford to rebuild yet unwilling to leave the community they call home. Recipients of the new homes said the impact is life changing. "I can't wait to have a house where my grandkids can come visit," said Randy Ank, one of the two recipients of a new home. "An RV is not a place they can stay, but with this house, they can come up for a week, and I can take them fishing, hunting and show them nature." The Rebuild Program model relies on volunteers from the homebuilding industry to construct a 750‑square‑foot, two-bedroom, one-bath home, designs for which were donated by local architect Peter Wolfe. Elliott Homes was the first builder to volunteer. The homes cost approximately $150,000 to build. "I've been involved with the construction of thousands of houses and proud of them all, but these two homes feel so different and more meaningful than any," said Price Walker, Elliot Homes' Vice President, Project Development. "We are so proud to be partnering with HomeAid Sacramento and El Dorado County to provide some relief to these Caldor Fire victims." Four additional homes are under construction and scheduled for completion this fall. El Dorado County and HomeAid Sacramento are already planning the next six homes and seeking local homebuilders and tradespeople to assist. "We are so thankful for our local builders and tradespeople. We couldn't make these survivors' dreams come true without them—but we still have more homes to build and need more help," said Amber Celmer, HomeAid's Executive Director, noting there are approximately 10 families on the waiting list. The program was created after county leaders identified an unmet need when the federal government denied victims promised individual assistance. Many residents relocated to rebuild their lives, while others—unable to afford a different place to live or unwilling to leave—found themselves with insufficient insurance payouts or no coverage at all. Bob Meyers, one of the recipients of a new home, learned that even a modest two-bedroom, two-bath home was out of reach despite having insurance. Others had been dropped by their insurers, with the state's FAIR Plan priced beyond affordability. "I witnessed the one-two punch when Grizzly Flats residents felt the deep devastation from the fire and then the added devastation of the broken promise of Individual Assistance, and I wasn't about to leave these survivors with no options, so I pushed for ways to help them," said Supervisor George Turnboo, who represents the community. He championed adoption of Title 25, an ordinance which relaxed standard building requirements and allowed residents to self-build using locally milled lumber and led the effort to create free plans for a Title 25-compliant home, designed by local architect Peter Wolfe, who volunteered his time to produce a 750‑square‑foot, twobedroom, one-bath design. In a coordinated effort between the county's Planning and Building Director, Karen Garner, Celmer, Elliott Homes, USA Properties, NEXT Crafted, and a $550,150.75 allocation from the Board of Supervisors, the program was formally established on April 7 to build and donate 12 complete Title 25 homes. "It is an honor to partner with El Dorado County, HomeAid Sacramento, and our fellow builders to provide safe, quality homes for residents who have shown extraordinary resilience, said Patrick McGuirk, Vice President Construction Management USA Properties Fund. "We are proud to be part of helping families rebuild in the community they love and begin creating new memories." Under the program model, Elliott Homes served as team captain, organizing donated materials and labor for the first two homes. USA Properties and NEXT Crafted soon followed, each committing to building two additional homes. "At NEXT Crafted Inc., we strongly believe that success comes in many forms," said Dragos Cojocaru, the company's Principal. "Yet we believe that true success is measured by our ability to give back so when we learned that HomeAid was stepping in to help families impacted by the Caldor Fire, we knew we had to be part of the effort. It was an opportunity to support those in need, make a meaningful difference, and give back to a community that has faced tremendous hardship. For us, building homes is our profession, but helping people rebuild their lives is our purpose." Homebuilders, contractors, or subcontractors interested in joining this effort may contact HomeAid Sacramento at 916-342‑0092 or visit homeaidsac.org. A "Make a Donation" button on its website allows anyone to contribute to this project.