The Story
The sights and sounds of spring are present once again; the hills green with new life, the birds rebuilding their nests, the streams and lakes filling with blue. For most the disruption to daily life created by the October 2007 Wildfires, has long since been forgotten. Unfortunately for many, those not so distant memories are still very much a reality. For them the signs of new life are still a painful reminder of all that was lost.
The San Diego County Wildfires of 2007 took a devastating toll on Southern California. The largest of the fires known as the Witch Creek fire tore a wide swath through North County, stretching from the oak-covered backcountry almost to the ocean. Fanned by gusts of up to 70 mph, the blaze grew to 198,000 acres and destroyed 1,075 homes. For these victims it is a tragedy that will not soon be forgotten. The long process of rebuilding has begun, but hundreds still remain without homes; many still looking for a sense of stability and a way to move on. One such family found themselves not only without their home of 15 years, but tragically without insurance to cover the loss.
On appearance the Oleson family is like any other family: A mom who is also the home school teacher, a new litter of cute puppies, a tattered rope swing dangling from a tall eucalyptus tree. Yet, look a little deeper and you will find that this family of nine is far from normal. They are a family with an incredible spirit of giving and of gratitude; a family that is extremely devoted to one another and constantly shares that devotion with those around them. One grateful neighbor exclaimed, “The Olesons’ home and property have been the very center of their family life. They have been the anchor of our neighborhood… My one wish is that the Olesons have a new home that would once again serve as the center for their family life and the neighborhood.”
Between them the Olesons have served as Salvation Army Camp Counselors, Office Assistants and Lifeguards, Samaritan’s Purse Volunteers, and volunteered extensively within their church doing everything from teaching Sunday school to directing traffic in the parking lot. The family has made a habit of serving others and asking for nothing in return. So when John Oleson, loving husband and father of the family, was asked to describe his situation and why he needed help, he was at a bit of a loss. “Since our home and everything we owned burned our lives have been completely disrupted. However, my family is still functioning, going to school, serving in church, and trying to maintain a normal life. We serve a living God who takes care of us and adjusts our thinking. This has been hard but our faith in Jesus Christ has sustained us. I deserve only what the Lord has for me and His grace.” It was out of this humble attitude that the Oleson family was chosen for a gift of a lifetime, the gift of a brand new home.
Greg Bradford, owner and CEO, established Envision Homes out of a desire to build affordable homes without sacrificing quality. The organization is committed to excellence, and strives to serve the community through its philanthropic efforts. Greg and his wife Cindy, like the Olesons, also share a passion for service to others, volunteering in a multitude of ways, from coaching high school softball to serving on the Board of Directors of the Rock Church in San Diego.
As the wildfires ravished San Diego County, Bradford recalls being ‘greatly troubled’ by the devastation. He knew he had to be involved in the rebuilding efforts. As a result Envision Homes was one of the first to respond to the Wildfire Rebuild efforts and continues to work towards ensuring the needs’ of affected families are met. Bradford said, “We believe it is our responsibility as community leaders to help those in need and strive to build partnerships with the San Diego community to help people get back on their feet.”
Little did he know at the time, that ‘helping people get back on their feet’ meant donating an entire house. As he contemplated his role in the rebuild, he said he heard the voice of God. “He said, ‘Build a house for someone who doesn’t have insurance,’” explained Bradford. Far from your ordinary, everyday experience, he consulted with his wife. Without hesitation she said, “We have to do it!” After seeking out advice from friend and Senior Pastor of the Rock Church, Miles McPherson, the process of finding the right family began. At the recommendation of fellow pastors Guy Willeford and Rob Hubbard of Calvary Chapel Church in Ramona, it wasn’t long before the Oleson family found themselves on a list of possible candidates. The list consisted of many deserving families who also had considerable losses as a result of the wildfires. “We give to so many charities and to things where we’re kind of disconnected, but when you give to something where you’re involved with a family, and the response that they have, it’s just unbelievable,” said Bradford. A team was assembled to review and narrow the list of qualified applicants. It was no easy task, but in the end the team agreed that the Oleson’s were definitely a family deserving of the gift. The Oleson family graciously accepted the offer of a new home. “The things I’ve lost are just things. It hurts, but most things are replaceable,” John Oleson said. “I’m just blown away by how many people really care.” The 2097 square foot home that will be built by Envision Homes, will have four bedrooms and two and half baths. The process is expected to take close to 120 days.
With gold shovels in hand Mr. and Mrs. Oleson, alongside Bradford and McPherson, broke ground on their new home in Ramona on March 10, 2008, dedicating the start of the building process. A heartfelt ceremony preceded, which included a blessing from McPherson, “You know hard times bring out the best in us, and we grow through our trials and we learn more from pain than from pleasure.” Media outlets from all over San Diego County were on hand to document the event. “We hope to continue in the rebuilding efforts,” said McPherson, “first with a new house for the Olesons, and secondly by raising awareness for the numerous fire victims that have not fully recovered from their losses.”