Former Residents of the Fire-Damaged Villa Capri Apartments Talk Next Steps When: June 18, 2018

Representatives from Catholic Charities and the Red Cross met with families and former residents of Villa Capri Apartments, off of South Anthony Boulevard, who were displaced by the June 5, 2018 fire that left two firefighters injured and the said group without a home.

The meeting took place at the Penta Minority Entrepreneurial Center, the office building of the Fort Wayne NAACP. Larry Gist, NAACP president, led the question-and-answer event that also served as a coordination of resources for the various leaders and organizations, including the NAACP and Stephen Terry, Sr., Senior Pastor at New Life Church of God.

The former residents have been living in apartments provided by funds raised by a local individual. The NAACP announced their collection of donated clothes for the group. The Catholic Charities provided information about receiving food vouchers, good for one month. And the Red Cross discussed their next phase for assistance, including providing a security deposit and the first month’s rent for the families’ new apartments.

Gist admitted a learning curve for most involved; tensions rose in the room during the discussions at the frustration for the slowness in the process of aiding these displaced residents.

Future issues of the FWIS will highlight individuals and families from the group.