3-7-2007

About a month ago, the LaCombe family lost everything. Their home, perched on a cliff about 60-80 feet overlooking Rock Creek in Stevenson, WA began to slide. The land gave out from underneath and their expansive property gradually tumbled down into the ravine below. While the house still sits a few yards back from the edge, the family has to abandon the building. Neighbors I spoke with say the area is unrecognizable. Space that was once completely surrounded by trees is now wide open, almost as if the back wall of their property was ripped away. All that remains of the trees are splintered pieces of wood and leaves in a heap at the base of the cliff.

The land started to crack several months ago and the family sunk what was left of their savings into moving the home to the back of their property hoping to rescue their house ... but that proved to be only a temporary solution. The land continued giving way and now the home threatens a plunge into the creek.

However, the family may not be homeless for much longer.

Cam Development has stepped in and is spearheading an effort to build the family a brand new home nearby. Family members tell me they are incredibly touched by the gesture alone and can't quite express their gratitude at the thought of actually having a brand new place to call their own.

The LaCombe's have three sons ages 5, 8 and 12 who can't wait to move into their new digs ... especially since the new house will have stairs (something their previous home lacked) and a giant yard similar to their old place.

At this point, organizers have all the materials and labor ready to roll (cement, appliances, all of it) they just need land. A parcel HAS been found nearby but it will cost about $100,000 to purchase. Organizers are accepting donations at any Riverview Community Bank.

When I asked Annette LaCombe if the new spot was on a hill or a ledge she responded with a smile, "What do you think?" (She later clarified that the family was moving somewhere flat and inland).