After losing homes in Camp Fire, two new homeowners move into brand new builds

PARADISE — Two new homeowners and Camp Fire survivors had their dreams come true Friday morning during the final step of the process of building their new homes.

Joanne Ayon and Benny Hawthorne were honored in a dedication ceremony at Hawthorne’s new home on Bella Vista Avenue in Paradise and received their keys. The homes were built by each of them and took about six months to build. Ayon and Hawthorne were required to help with building 30 hours per week as part of the Community Housing Improvement Program’s self-help homeownership program.

Homeowners in the self-help program spend at least 30 hours a week constructing their home with CHIP’s guidance from construction supervisors. Wells Fargo contributed a $100,000 grant toward the homes.

Hawthorne and his two dogs officially moved in Friday. Ayon started moving belongings in Friday as well.

Housing Program Supervisor Kate Anderson gave a speech at the event.

“People ask me ‘how do you build back a town?’ My answer is one bit at a time. It takes a community to build back a community,” Anderson said.

Mark Montgomery, CHIP director of fundraising and communications, echoed the praise toward the Paradise community.

“This town is an incredible partner,” Montgomery said.

Hawthorne was happy about his new home.

“I never thought I’d ever own a home,” said Hawthorne during the ceremony. “As awful as the fire was it gave me an opportunity.”

Ayon teared up during the ceremony.

“Until you lose everything you don’t know what it’s like,” said Ayon.

Judy Orozco, a CHIP housing specialist, helped complete the home loans for Ayon and Hawthorne.

“It’s amazing to see this process from beginning to end,” said Orozco. “These two have put in a lot of work and I am so happy for them.

Hawthorne seemed overwhelmed by the event and the turnout.

“I’m melancholy because I loved building this house and I don’t want it to end,” Hawthorne said.

Hawthorne and volunteers built the house frame, helped with constructing the roof and painted it. Construction crews completed the concrete and roof tiles. Hawthorne was present at the house construction every weekend from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. He works in financial aid at Butte College.

Ayon’s home on Elliot Road was once the site of her parents’ home which burned in the fire.

“I didn’t realize how many people were involved in the process until today,” said Ayon. “This is very heartfelt.”

Ayon also helped build her house and her granddaughter helped. Her house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Her mother will stay with her on weekends. Ayon moved to Paradise several years ago.

Montgomery said the houses meet Paradise’s standards for fire resistancy.

“The houses have stucco on the sides instead of wood,” he said. “The fences are metal and not wood. There are also other features of the house which are fire resistant.”