FAITHORN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZMQ) – In January, Brian McClure faced the devastation of losing his home to a fierce fire. The tight-knit community of Faithorn, with less than 300 residents, immediately sprung into action, raising over $17,000 to help him rebuild his life.
“I can’t just thank anyone, you know, you gotta thank everybody because if you just thank 1 person, then there’s so many people left out,” McClure expressed, overwhelmed by the support.
Neighbors, family, and friends poured out their generosity, offering both emotional and practical assistance. Katy and Brutus Kiser, touched by McClure’s situation, decided to renovate an abandoned cabin on their property to provide him with a place to stay. Moyer Excavating of Norway & Vandermissen and Sons House Movers of Escanaba also contributed, ensuring the smooth delivery of the new home.
Unexpectedly, during the reconstruction, a bear was discovered hibernating beneath the cabin, adding a touch of wildlife adventure to the endeavor.
Jeff Kiser, father of Katy and Brutus, re-told his recollection of waking up the bear, discovered only about 6 feet away from Kiser.
“There was a bear hibernating under it when we went to jack it up to redo da floor and begin moving it. Brian says, ‘something’s under there’. Well, he’s got the flashlight, and I’m like halfway under there.”
Kiser reflected on the community’s involvement in replacing McClure’s home:
“That’s just what these small communities do. Faithorn here, somebody has a problem, everybody pitches in. It’s a group effort. I mean, I could mention just about everybody in the community,” Kiser shared.
Grateful for the overwhelming support, Scott McClure, Brian’s brother, expressed the family’s appreciation. The original home held sentimental value for the large family, built by their father after returning from World War II, and served as a cherished family dwelling for decades.
Post-delivery of the home, Scott McClure shared a sense of relief, expressing gratitude for the community’s assistance and the ability for the family to return to their roots.
“To tell you the truth, there’s a little relief because we didn’t know how this was going to turn out. And if the truck was gonna be able to get into place, but we’re really appreciative of the fact that our family can come back here. The Long Branch does so much for so many people. There’s been tragedies before in this town, and they provide luncheons or fundraisers to help those people get back on their feet. He’s not the first person that they’ve stepped in to help. I can’t say enough about Rosie. She’s so kind.”
While there is still work to be done, including installing utilities, Brian is eager to move forward, embracing this new beginning with gratitude and optimism.
“It’s a way to start over again,” Brian remarked, expressing his appreciation for the kindness and generosity that have helped him rebuild. Despite the challenges ahead, Brian is ready to reclaim his independence and make his new house a home once again.
