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Habitat SA helps families recover after bushfires

Habitat for Humanity South Australia are working with families affected by the Sampson Flat bushfires. The fires burnt through more than 12,500 hectares, destroying family homes and their treasured belongings.

Scott and Sherri have lived in their Kersbrook home with their two teenage boys and 12 year old daughter for nearly seven years.  Scott and Sherri fell in love with the Adelaide Hills and enjoyed having a home surrounded by bushland.

However, that bushland was engulfed in flames over the week that fires raged in early January. On the 9th January, once the fires were declared contained the family returned to their property to find they had lost absolutely everything. “When we came back, it was a shock,” said Scott. “We couldn’t see past the mess.”

The family were covered by insurance but unfortunately were under insured, which led Scott to contact Habitat for Humanity South Australia to assist in clearing the debris.  Last month, Habitat and a group of volunteers assisted Scott, Sherri and their family with the recovery effort.  Many of the volunteers were students from the local Birdwood High School where the Scott and Sherri’s sons attend, and spent the day clearing burnt debris and trees.

Scott said he and his family were very surprised and pleased with what the volunteers were able to achieve in a day’s work.  “They helped clean a lot,” said Scott. “It’s made the rebuilding process more possible and it’s one less thing we don’t have to worry about.”

Now, almost four months after the fires the family are renting nearby in the Kersbrook township to allow Scott to easily continue cleaning up efforts at their property, and allow their children to return to their schools.  The family are grateful for the assistance of Habitat for Humanity South Australia and continue to be surprised by the support from the local schools and community.

See the photos below –

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