Single California Dad Forced to Live In Tent with 4 Kids for 6 Months Is Surprised with a New Home

A family was left homeless and hopeless after a fire destroyed their California home, changing life as they knew it forever. They lived in tents for months until an unexpected miracle came their way.

The Hatch family lived a good life in the Grizzly Flats area, and single dad Eric did his best to provide for his four kids. They meant the world to him, and he never imagined his worst nightmare would become a reality.

The family's world was turned upside down when the Caldor Fire burned down their home. The devastating wildfire left many people homeless, but thanks to Eric's daughter, Layla, someone noticed them and gave them a life-changing gift.

The Family Lost Everything

The fire broke out in 2021 and burned across 221,835 acres. It was finally contained after two months, but the damage was irreversible. Eric and his young kids lost all their possessions and had nowhere to go. The eldest child, Layla, expressed her feelings:

"It really did break us all because now we're all kind of lost, but we still have each other no matter what."

One of the other kids said waking up in the morning was the worst thing. It was another day they had to endure, but they did their best to remain positive by saying, "I can do this. Let's go."

They Lived in Tents for Six Months

The Hatch family lived without bathroom facilities for six months and battled their natural elements daily. The weather often made it difficult for them to stay warm in the flimsy tent compound where they lived.

Everyday tasks they previously did without much thought had become a struggle, and Layla described how she and her siblings showered in cold water. It was not easy, but they were thankful to have survived the unforgiving fire. Meanwhile, Eric recounted:

"[We are] fighting the weather most of the time. I'm trying to cook, shower and get them ready for school and [help them] do homework."

The family stayed busy, and Eric did his best to ensure his little ones were still making time for their education. Despite their circumstances, the kids remained diligent students and did their homework.

The Eldest Daughter's Commitment Made All the Difference

Layla worked hard at school and refused to let her grades slip. While many other kids might have used their situation as an excuse, Layla was motivated by her circumstances. She wanted to help her family, and the straight-A student remained committed.

Thanks to her determination, Layla would soon change the course of her family's life. One of her teachers learned she would walk around her destitute neighborhood in search of WiFi spots so she could complete her school tasks.

In awe of Layla's passion and the lengths she would go to for her schoolwork, the teacher was inspired to help Layla's family.

The kids' advice for others in their position was to keep their heads up because things would get better.

EmergencyRV Gifts Them a New Home

The educator reached out to EmergencyRV.org, unaware of the impact their actions would have. The organization assisted wildfire victims by providing families with mobile homes.

When the charity heard of Layla's situation, they immediately wanted to help her family and surprised them with something that left everyone speechless.

The family was gifted a $60,000 trailer, a place they could finally call home. It was filled with the necessitties to help them get back on their feet.

Rebuilding Their Lives

Dad Eric was immensely thankful and couldn't wait to move into his new home. He also hoped to find a job to continue caring for his kids. While their lives would never be the same, they are rebuilding and finding hope amid the ashes.

Eric made it through every new day with the help of his beloved kids, motivated to keep going forward. They were forced to face immense loss, but their lives looked brighter thanks to the kindness of strangers.

Online Comments of Support

The kids' advice for others in their position was to keep their heads up because things would get better. There are many generous people in the world, and the online community is thankful for do-gooders who help the needy.

Netizens were touched by this family's story and wished them well as they rise from challenging times:

"Awesome story and gift to a wonderful family in need! Uplifting to see a true blessing!"

- (C Smith) June 2, 2022

"EmergencyRV are truly awesome for all they've done!!!"

- (Smokey Treats) June 2, 2022

"Glad to see someone lend a helping hand."

- (Leaf Odan) June 3, 2022

The Hatch family faced a terrible ordeal but refused to give up. Despite their challenging situation, they always believed better days were coming and kept smiling. We wish them the best!

Click here for a story about a family left destitute after a tornado ravaged their home. They were hopeless until a stranger gave them a life-changing gift. It was a true Christmas miracle.