COBB >> Longtime Cobb resident Susanna Koester received a round of applause late Friday morning in celebration of the start of her rebuilding project. Koester lost her house to the Valley Fire. Her new home, scheduled for completion within five months, is the first rebuilding project funded by the CalHome Loan Program.
Koester moved to Cobb in 1998 but was forced to rent elsewhere when she lost her home. Her dream was to once again return to the property. But when the fire swept through Cobb, she found herself underinsured like many of her neighbors. Through the CalHome Loan Program, which distributed a loan Koester qualified for to Hammers 4 Hope, she was able to bridge the gap between her insurance payout and the total cost of rebuilding her home.
“Thank you all for being a part of my dream to rebuild,” Koester said. “I was so destroyed that I couldn’t even relate to the area and now with all the help I’m so happy I didn’t give up. I hope others can apply, too.”
Present at the groundbreaking were those that helped make the project happen, including Lake County Contractors, Hammers 4 Hope, North Coast Opportunities, and CalHome representatives. District Supervisors Rob Brown and Moke Simon also attended.
CalHomes representative Melissa Hughes said she believes they will have enough funding for more rebuilding projects. She added that funds could cover approximately 60 to 70 homes. CalHomes is currently working with over 30 cases and they expect to reach 50.
“I think 2018 will be a pretty big year in getting people back home and it’s wonderful that Susanna can be 001,” said Hughes.
Brown confirmed that the county received over $4 million to help in the rebuilding process for many residents. He congratulated those involved in the rebirth of Koester’s home, adding that the process for others should start to move more swiftly.
Lake County Contractors owner Mark Mitchell said a lot of people do not know they can receive assistance like Koester due to misunderstanding their insurance.
“People are afraid to ask. Many believe all the money they receive from their insurances’ initial value is all but policies are usually for more than that initial payment. Money is available if they decide to rebuild,” Mitchell said.
Hughes and Mitchell hope more people will reach out and become educated about their insurance policies in an effort to help families rebuild.
“If anyone knows anyone that wants to apply for a loan they can contact us. Low-income families should also reach out to us,” another CalHome representative said while at the groundbreaking.
Koesher said she will help in spreading the word to locals about the opportunities available to rebuild through CalHomes and Hammers 4 Hope. While at the groundbreaking, she appreciated a peace rose that sprouted near where the foundation of her home is being built. She shared that it was one of the few things that survived the 2015 fire. Soon, it won’t be the only rose in her property. To help beautify her home, Clear Lake High School student Paige Woodruff will organize the construction of planter boxes as part of her senior project. According to Mitchell, Woodruff’s project is a combination of community service, leadership, and management.
“Lake County deserves us to come back,” Koesher ended her speech at the groundbreaking. “This needs to become a vital community again.”
