Aug 18, 2026
CAMBRIDGE CITY, Ind. (WRTV) In a church gymnasium in the heart of town, supplies are piled high on tables.There is donated clothing, organized from infants and toddlers to adults. Turn around, and every household cleaner imagin able is within reach. There is fresh produce, canned meat, pet food, and there are meal kits specifically designed to feed a family of four for four days.All of it is donated. None of it costs so much as a penny.In the days since floods inundated Cambridge City, Cambridge City Christian Church has become a lifeline for flood survivors. Besides supplies, youth minister Caleb Bloom said the church serves hot meals three times a day. A laundry station, a first aid station and portable toilets are also available. And Bloom said staff pray with anyone who wants some spiritual assistance. Volunteers can pick up needed supplies there, too.Its really just a great image of the body of Christ coming together and serving where people need help, he said. Were called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and seeing the community come together like this and donate time, donate money, donate supplies, I just really think it shows a community coming together, a community that serves Jesus and a community that loves each other to serve each other.The church has become a lifeline for flood survivors in the town. Wayne County emergency management officials said last weeks floods destroyed three homes and a commercial building. Another 174 buildings sustained major damage and 71 more had minor damage.Lori Duran and her family live in one of the affected homes. First built in the 1890s, Duran said she bought the home from a family friend 24 years ago. She said she and her family lost almost everything in the floods. They have spent the past few days clearing flood-damaged items out of their home down to the floorboards. Duran said the church has become the center of everyones lives.We go in there, we eat breakfast every morning. We get gloves. We get towels to wipe our faces from sweat, she said. You can go in there, and if they dont have it, they will put it out and get it for us. They are so amazing up there.Bonnie Robinette picked up an entire trunkload of food, clothing, cleaning supplies and pet food around midday. Unlike Duran, Robinette experienced only basement flooding, but that still cost her her deep freezer and virtually her entire food supply, among other things. Robinette said the food available at the church is varied enough that she is able to meet her dietary needs. She has diabetes and a heart condition.Theres still good people out there, a lot of good people, she said. Its everywhere. And were blessed. I feel very fortunate and blessed.Robinette and Duran both said the aid center at the church perfectly captures the spirit of the town. Duran said she has lived in the town her entire life. Its the kind of town where everyone knows each other.Its always been that way, she said. You go to our sporting events and our stands are full. Everyone is cheering, everyone loves everyone and supports them. There are no losers in this town.Everyones needs are a little different. When News 8 asked each person interviewed for this story what they needed most, Bloom named volunteers to help clean up, Robinette said hot water for cooking and bathing, and Duran answered money to help rebuild.The church has set up a dedicated flood relief fund through its website. In addition, flood survivors can receive up to $5,000 from the state for immediate disaster needs by applying through Indiana 211. ...read more read less
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