Inspiring Hope - Stories from the Valley Fire Recovery

So have you ever met that random person who in a five minute conversation had you wishing you knew them better?  They might have a great smile, an interesting story, or just a friendly demeanor, but they make a difference for the better in your day.

Working in disaster recovery, I have the privilege of meeting a wide variety of people.  Lake County boosts clean air and some pretty amazing residents.

As we near the one year anniversary of the devastating Valley Fire, I'll be introducing you to some of the awesome people working to make recovery a reality in this community.  Whether they are volunteers, homeowners or local business leaders, they are impacting their neighborhoods for the better.

So join me Wednesday and Friday for the next few weeks and together we'll be inspired by our friends and neighbors, together bringing recovery to Lake County!

We'll kick off tomorrow with a local man who has volunteered more than 100 hours and recruited others as well, helping the rebuild efforts for four local families.

I'm looking forward to sharing their stories with you!

Athletes team up for fire recovery work

Students from Pacific Union College put down their soccer balls and volley balls this weekend and instead picked up shovels, rakes and some power tools.  Hope City hosted about 20 members of the Pacific Union College women's volleyball and men's soccer team.

Our Saturday crew of local volunteers, homeowners and Pacific Union College students.

One crew worked on removing forms from a newly poured foundation.

 The second crew helped attach sheeting to the roof of a home rebuild. 

They spent time leveling out the work area around the home site.

We are so thankful for the many volunteers who give of their time to make a home a reality for our homeowners.

Kevin had a video update from the day.

https://www.facebook.com/kevin.cox.1800/videos/10210097479655207/

Hope City:  Rebuilding Homes, Restoring Lives.

Clayton Fire Update

As families were allowed to return to their properties, volunteers with Hope Crisis Response Network canvassed the damaged areas, handing out supplies and offering encouragement.  Our team joined volunteers organized by Tracy Boyl of North Coast Opportunities and spread out through the damaged neighborhoods.

Our teams delivered water and clean up supplies.  We prayed with survivors and talked about possibilities.

Kevin Cox provided a video update.

https://www.facebook.com/kevin.cox.1800/videos/10210045091745542/

Hope Crisis Response Network is expanding our work in Lake County to include rebuilding assistance for families who lost homes in the Clayton Fire. 

Rebuilding homes, Restoring lives

Clayton Fire burns in Lake County

Firefighters are bringing the latest fire threat under control in Lake County.  The Clayton fire broke out Saturday afternoon and sped through dry underbrush threatening more than 1,500 homes.  Winds whipped the fire on Sunday afternoon, destroying more than 175 structures.  Hope Crisis Response Network, Inc has been providing response support since the fire began.

Thanks to the more than 1,000 firefighters working the blaze.

The fire has burned about 4,000 acres around Lower Lake

Photos courtesy of CalFire.

Hope Crisis Response Network will help families affected by the Clayton Fire, as we continue our work for families affected by the Valley Fire.  September 12 will mark one year since the Valley Fire started.

Home Rebuilding Takes Shape

Our most recent home build in Middletown, California is taking shape.  A volunteer team led by Jim Clifton, framed interior walls and added sheeting to the outside of the home this week.
Our homeowner, Orval Young enjoys watching the teams work at the site and seeing how things are changing.

A few weeks ago, Orval at his property.

Building a house takes some planning and in the case of Hope City, some volunteers.  So we are very thankful for the volunteers who have given their time as this house takes shape.

Board by board we are rebuilding homes in Middletown, California and helping survivors of the Valley Fire.

More volunteers will be in this weekend! 
Rebuilding homes, restoring lives!