On September 8th, 2020, the North Complex Fire blew through Berry Creek and destroyed almost everything in its path. My home was one of many that was reduced to ashes and puddles of melted metal. There was no evacuation warning, but there was a change in the smoke and the heat so I knew it was close. I told my granddaughter to pack her favorite things in her backpack, I grabbed what I could and loaded her and the dogs in the car. We were lucky and got out in time. After taking our poor confused dogs to the emergency animal shelter, we spent a few nights in my little car until we found help at the FEMA evacuation center in Gridley. They helped us find temporary shelter until I was allowed to go back up the mountain. Everything was gone, including the top of my well, the tanks, and all the solar components of the system. Exactly a year after the fire, I finally received my Completion of Property Cleanup letter allowing me to initiate rebuilding efforts. I remembered hearing about the Water Well Trust from “Sandy” at the 211 helpline. Since the costs were so high and my budget was so low, I took her advice and applied for a loan to restore my water.
When I got the call from Margaret Martens two weeks ago, I thought it was about being approved for the loan, but when Tom Drew joined the call and said I was receiving a grant, I was simply stunned. I was so relieved and flabbergasted! I called my granddaughter afterwards and told her the good news, and she was so happy she started crying. Having running water meant we could start to rebuild and replant our garden and fruit trees and get our home back. It’s been a year and a half of waiting and we are so excited now!
I want to thank all the kind and wonderful people who have made this possible, starting with the Grundos Foundation for their incredibly generous contribution and for their inspiring humanitarian work. Thank you to Tom Drew, Dan Story, and all the caring people who helped make this happen. Thank you to Margaret MArtens, Tara Green, and Elizabeth McClain for approving my application. I appreciate the whole crew who worked so hard at the well site. And I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the people who have donated to the Water Well Trust. Thank you all so much!
