Cindy Smeltzer, a resident at Capri, returned home to find her apartment engulfed in flames. Unsure of the state of her belongings and unable to take anything with her, Smeltzer was taken to Life Church where an emergency Red Cross Shelter was already being set up.
She met a volunteer who would prefer to be called by her first name, Susan. The two, who were strangers at the time, now finish each other’s sentences as they recount their time at the church-turned-shelter over 15 months ago. Susan shared her perspective from the first week following the fire.
“The Red Cross nurse, I believe her name was Debbie, was incredible. She helped people get their medications filled. And Pastor Neil Ainslie from the Salvation Army was instrumental in helping everyone. He helped residents pay for their hotels and locate housing, I believe he has continued to help during all of this time,” Susan said. “Pastor Steve Surbagh also helped in any way he could. Cindy was really struggling to sleep in the cots.”
“I haven’t been able to sleep in a bed for many years,” Smeltzer explained.
“Pastor Steve found a recliner for her to sleep in while we stayed there,” Susan said.
Surbaugh, the pastor of Life Church, said the church became the designated emergency shelter for Wells County just weeks before the fire occurred.
“We got a call that day and off we went,” Surbaugh smiled. “Really we just said yes to the space and the community took over from there. The Red Cross was so kind in their words of appreciation to us — with everything they did. The Creative Arts Council had pipes and drapes they allowed us to use to construct individual beds. Our collaboration with the Creative Arts Council was able to serve the people of Capri by giving them some dignity, autonomy, and space. People from our church would stop in, restaurants would bring meals as well as other churches.”
“If there is something tragic,” Surbaugh continued, “there is no greater entity on Earth that will surround that cause than a community of a small town. They did nothing within their power to put them in the position they were in. We wanted to make the best of the situation for them, if that meant getting someone a recliner or a certain kind of pop, then we would get those things.”
Surbaugh gave a humble laugh as he heard of Smeltzer’s gratitude for providing her with a chair, claiming he did not go far out of his way.
“Cindy and all of the residents became like a little family. They turned a bad situation into something rather beautiful,” Surbaugh said. “She was a dream. She will tell you a story, and is very sweet, too. There was a unique dependency on each other, they are their own community there. Angie was a rock to so many of those residents. Even her demeanor when she would answer their questions or calls. She would simply love them. It seemed like she was very much beloved by her community out there.”
Angie Edington is the service coordinator at Capri Meadows, where she helps residents to age in place safely, lead a healthy lifestyle, and maintain their apartments. According to multiple residents and volunteers, she does much more than this.
“Angie is in a band,” Susan said. “After the fire her band played at the Hideaway and raised money for the victims. That money went into a fund that was used to help people get into an apartment if needed.”
“Angie was so good,” Smeltzer added. “A very talented lady.”
Edington began offering support before the fundraiser at the Hideaway.
“I stayed at the shelter the first night the residents were there,” Edington recalled. “Many of them were scared and felt better knowing I was there, I was who they were used to and who they knew. Life Community Church and The Red Cross were absolutely wonderful.”
Edington reported that she continued to assist residents with locating items they needed, finding places to rent, applying for assistance, and working to add programming. Smeltzer particularly enjoyed the “Move It In Groovy” class, an exercise-based class themed around moving home.
“We still had programming available during this time with activities and presentations,” Edington said. “We also offered free food on Mondays, which we continue to offer thanks to Bluffton Church of God.”
A monthly cooking class that is offered helps residents learn to utilize this food, save on their grocery budgets, and cook healthy meals.
“On Mondays, we receive items from Walmart, many of which are perishable,” John Rowe, Pastor of Bluffton Church of God, said. “We then go out and distribute those locally to groups in need. We go to Capri first.”
Edington said she has appreciated the support from the community as well as Glick Co, the company that owns Capri Meadows, over the last 15 months.
“Capri really worked together and supported each other during this time,” Edington said. “From the administration and office staff to maintenance, it’s a great team. We’re all happy to have people safe and home.”
On May 8, 2023, 459 days after the fire, Smeltzer moved back into her newly renovated home.
According to Smeltzer, she is very excited about the updates to her apartment. Some of these updates include better TV reception, black appliances, new carpet, and higher-quality window shades. She also enjoys sharing time with fellow residents in the gazebo and attending church with Susan at Life Community.
“I’m meeting people, introducing myself,” Smeltzer said with a smile in her voice. “It feels very good to be home.”
On May 8, 2023, 459 days after the fire, Smeltzer moved back into her newly renovated home.
According to Smeltzer, she is very excited about the updates to her apartment. Some of these updates include better TV reception, black appliances, new carpet, and higher-quality window shades. She also enjoys sharing time with fellow residents in the gazebo and attending church with Susan at Life Community.
“I’m meeting people, introducing myself,” Smeltzer said with a smile in her voice. “It feels very good to be home.”