Marysville Family's Dreams Of A Home Nearly Dashed After Habitat For Humanity Tools Stolen

MARYSVILLE (CBS13) — The largest family the Yuba-Sutter Habitat for Humanity has ever helped was nearly left waiting for a home after thieves stole construction tools.

The Marysville family of 12—Reba Gowin, Tommy Gowin, Alex, Tommy Jr., Samantha, Celeste, Delany, Liam, Nathan, Sophia, Israel, and Anastasia—currently lives under one roof in a one-bedroom apartment.

So it should come as no surprised that they are more than looking forward to their brand-new, four-bedroom home from Yuba-Sutter Habitat For Humanity.

"Extremely eager, not just for myself but for the kids. It's been extremely difficult on them," Reba said.

But burglars threw a wrench in the project, taking nearly all of the group's tools from a trailer. Generators, power tools totaling nearly $8,000 were taken.

"On Monday when they came in and went to go out to the work site, they looked in the trailer and just about everything was missing," said CEO Joseph Hale.

"It's a major setback and it's really it's such a shame," Reba said.

When they heard about the theft, their hearts sank. It's not just a project to them; it's their next home. But with no tools the project was threatened to be delayed.

The thieves didn't think twice about who they would be hurting—the Gowins are business owners who lost their home three years ago during the housing crash.

But thanks to the community, they won't lose their fresh start.

"The reality of it is, we'll be able to get back to work very quickly," Hale said.

People donated tools, and the next-door neighbor is letting construction crews use his power until the group gets new generators.

It's a minor delay, but for this family of 12, move-in day is still right around the corner.