Week one progress report. After landing in Chico on Monday the 3rd we set up in the backyard of a modest home, thank you Corina for all you have and are doing for the community. Even with a little rain the initial effort that set the pace for this project has produced six yurts made by four recipients that have all started learning and fine tuning the yurt building process, each investing hands on time into this past week’s progress.
A local paper published an article on Tuesday and by weeks end there was an uptick of interest and more people have volunteered for this next week to help build and learn. Many are veterans that have lost everything. We now have a list of people in need and willing to work their way through recovery. Some participants have their own land, with septic already in place and just want to get back to their place of residence and occupy their home, even if the house is gone.
A one-acre location has been secured and is currently being prepared for up to ten yurts, logs and a sawmill are already on site and the owner will have materials for two floors ready next week. We have two composting toilets ready to go right now, and a centrally located bath house is being planned for construction ASAP. The land owner is working with local governing authorities and they have approved and given the green light to move forward with this emergency shelter project.
We now have three newly trained yurt builders who will in turn be training additional volunteers this coming week. I am purchasing enough material for another six yurts and with the increased number of volunteer participants we will complete the first six and start another six yurts for a total of twelve yurts.
Site preparation for two floors should be completed by mid-week and I plan to have two floors built (with yurts on them) at the new emergency shelter site by weeks end. Weather may play a part of timing. The main road through Paradise is not yet open and access to the new shelter area via the alternate road is substantially longer, an unimproved dirt road, and subject to snow and bad weather. We will take it as it comes.
I intended to post daily updates but between the internet connections, laptop, and my limited time (if I want to sleep) updates may be sporadic.
As this project evolves, the sawmill produced lumber will reduce the cost by a large factor, however this also increases the need for volunteer participants. We will also need additional canvas, hardware and plywood for floors.
Donations to date have provided the first six yurts and cover the cost of two floors. Very soon all the yurts we build will be someone’s home. Thank you everyone for your support. To move forward from here and increase our reach we need continued support. Please share this news far and wide and with all your friends as I believe that together we can make a difference for many who could use a vision of hope right about now.
Ron
https://www.gofundme.com/mission-posiable-yurt-shelters-camp-fire