Fundraising underway for reconstruction of four houses in Malden

MALDEN — A Spokane-based philanthropic foundation has launched a campaign to raise $300,000 to help rebuild four homes destroyed Sept. 7 in the Babb Fire.

The Innovia Foundation is partnering with the Western Anabaptist Mission Service in St. Ignatius, Mont.

While the foundation is fundraising, the Mission Service will provide labor to rebuild.

“This is an incredible opportunity and will provide much-needed encouragement for the families,” Recovery Operations Director and City Councilman Scott Hokonson said. “While we know it will take several years to rebuild, seeing new life begin to rise out of the ashes will foster hope throughout the Pine Creek region.”

Construction materials for each home will cost around $75,000, officials said. Volunteers may begin building as soon as January, if enough money has been raised.

The Montana group expects to build a new home every 3-4 weeks until all four are complete.

“No matter the size of the donation, it will be through the generosity of individuals, churches and businesses across our state and region that every family displaced by the devastating wildfires can once again have a place to call home,” Innovia CEO Shelly O’Quinn said.

The Babb Fire raced across southern Spokane and northern Whitman counties on Sept. 7, destroying about 80% of the structures in Malden and 75% in Pine City.