Rebuilding after the fire

Every weekend for more than five months, Adjunct Professor John Pfannkuche (pronounced Van – Cook) of the Building Construction Technology Department has overseen efforts to rebuild the Oak Hill neighborhood ravaged by wildfires on April 17.

"I'll be here until the end," said Pfannkuche, an Oak Hill resident whose home was spared. "The neighborhood has been phenomenal. People are sitting on the sidelines waiting to help. All it takes is a spark."

Neighborhood groups and individual volunteers have been essential to the rebuilding process. "The Red Cross

does great work, but the help they offer is temporary," said Pfannkuche. "Five months later, we're just getting framing permits."

According to Pfannkuche, hope and expectations are high after a tragedy, but as time goes by, people realize that rebuilding is a long process. Frustrated by the bureaucratic red tape of some large relief organizations, neighbors got together and formed the Oak Hill Wildfire Relief organization, which has spearheaded efforts in the area.

Pfannkuche said it's important to hold as many fund-raisers as possible, get corporate sponsors involved and seek media coverage, because people forget as time goes by. In Oak Hill church groups and businesses have contributed by sending volunteers and donating lumber, building supplies and dumpster services.

Despite the outpouring of generosity, some residents may not get back into their homes until December, and many face expenses that are not covered by their insurance policies such as demolition, debris removal and the rental of temporary housing while still making mortgage payments on their damaged homes. Oak Hill Wildfire Relief has provided assistance with insurance deductibles and has taken on the Herculean task of helping uninsured homeowners rebuild.

Lilly Henric, whose home was destroyed, said that she still struggles with guilt from not being able to afford insurance. "I thought I was doing everything right. I paid off my mortgage and was living debt free and now it's like standing on the corner with a tin cup," Henric said. She is grateful to all the volunteers and plans to pay the kindness forward.

"As soon as the smoke clears in Bastrop and they need people to shovel, I'll be there," Henric said.

Henric encourages fire victims to allow themselves to grieve and to have patience. She hopes to be back in her own home by February or March.

"This has been the silver lining," Henric said. "God took everything material away and made room for these caring people who come every weekend to help."