The Landa family in Griswold has come a long way since the June 27 fire that destroyed their home and turned their lives upside down. But they couldn't go all the way and rebuild their home unless they got the support of their neighbors.
Wednesday night, they did get that support. Residents filled town hall for an important vote that would waive the $5,400 in building permit fees. In a true show of support, 52 voted yes. No one said no.
"I hope everyone knows how much we appreciate everything that everyone is doing," Dawne Landa said. Her son was severely burned in the fire while trying to save his quadriplegic father who was still trapped inside.
Homes By Bruno, the same builder who took on the Extreme Makeover home in Voluntown, is leading the efforts again for another family in need, but they need help.
"We're short on materials. We need lumber. We need concrete. We need a lot of things," said owner Bruno Hayn.
Crews still hope to use $23,000 raised already to start building in the next 10 days.
Dawne Landa hopes that in the meantime a few hugs will do while her family starts a new beginning.
Local
"It didn't expect it. I didn't expect it at all, but we need it," said Landa.
