Nevada City Rebuilds Widow's Home for Free After Fire

When Lori Wisniewski's wood-burning stove sparked a fire last year, she lost everything in minutes. Her Nevada City home burned down, her dogs didn't make it out, and she had to jump from her deck to safety.

The tragedy came at an impossible time. Wisniewski's husband had recently died of cancer, leaving her to navigate the disaster alone. Without proper insurance, rebuilding seemed out of reach.

That's when Matthew Sutherlin saw her story. The owner of Green Bee Construction knew he had to help.

"When I saw Lori's story come across my path, I knew that was an opportunity to put my money where my mouth is with my faith," Sutherlin said. He organized a community effort to rebuild Wisniewski's home at potentially no cost to her.

Local tradespeople and businesses started donating time, labor, and materials. Contractors shaved costs and gave discounts across every part of the project. The entire Nevada City community rallied around one of their own.

Wisniewski still can't believe the generosity. "I can't believe it, and I can't believe the talented people," she said while touring her nearly completed home.

As a former post-surgical nurse, she even added an accessible recovery room for friends or volunteers who might need it. It's her way of paying forward the kindness she's received.

Sunny's Take

The rebuild hasn't been easy. Weather delays and hazardous materials from the fire have slowed progress. But the team keeps working together, and Wisniewski keeps asking herself, "Why me? Why am I getting this opportunity?"

The answer is simple: because communities still take care of their own. Because neighbors show up when it matters most. Because even after losing almost everything, Wisniewski is surrounded by people who refuse to let her face it alone.

Builders expect the house to be finished by late spring or early summer, giving Wisniewski a fresh start in the home her community built with love.