The youngsters would visit the location every day after school to assist with the work. This tenacious mother hired a part-time firefighter with building experience for $25 per hour to handle the most difficult tasks. He was knowledgeable in a way that we weren’t, she recalled.

The family moved into the Inkwell Manor, which was named in honor of Cara’s desire to become a writer, on March 31, 2009.

We felt ashamed that our only option was to construct our own shelter, Cara remarked. Although we weren’t really proud of it, it ended up being the best thing I could have done for myself.