‘We couldn’t do this alone’: Community steps up after residents forced to evacuate condemned apartments

GARDNER, Kan. (KCTV) - Time is running out for residents who were told to pack up and move out after their apartments were condemned by the city on Tuesday.

People at the Aspen Place Apartments in Gardner must evacuate by 6 p.m. Thursday evening.

A spokesperson for the city said the complex was a safety issue, which is why they were given 48 hours.

The city said past issues brought up by residents were investigated, but the recent condemnation was prompted after a fire truck fell through the road, revealing the property was no longer safe for emergency response.

The fire truck incident was the catalyst, but the condemnation was due to broader safety concerns, including impassable roads, lack of water and raw sewage violations.

The city said they are working on resources and housing options for tenants.

On Wednesday, residents continued to pack up their lives and figure out the next steps.

“To come up with two days to find places to live that’s unreal,” said Cynthia Pickard, a resident.

“I got two kids and a wife, it’s a struggle,” said Austin Childers, another resident.

For many of these residents, some of that stress has been lifted after the community stepped in to help, in a big way.

Churches, neighbors, nonprofits, and complete strangers stepped in to offer food, water, and muscle to move, and could be seen going door to door to make sure no one was left behind.

“If we were in this situation, we would want help too, and these people,” said Amber Stuart, a volunteer, “I mean, 48 hours is not enough for them to get everything they need.”

“Our community members are desperate, and they need help, and so what can I do, where can I be, I just want to help the community,” said Courtney Dunning with New Life Community Church.

Dunning and her husband are just a few who have been donating their time, and said when a family is in crisis, this is what they do -- it’s the Gardner way.

“I cannot imagine what they’re going through, what they’re feeling and being able to just lift some of that stress off them it just makes me feel like I’m doing something better for somebody else,” explained Dunning.

While the situation for many remains uncertain, residents have been stunned by the generosity and kindness.

“I didn’t expect how many people showed up, how much stuff has been brought out here, I just literally thought we were going to be on our own, doing this ourselves,” said Childers.

“It just means the world to me that there’s so much help, we couldn’t do this by ourselves,” said Pickard.

A water station was set up by Water One to provide fresh water as well as a resource center at New Century Fieldhouse, located across from the apartments.

Free hotel vouchers along with a meal ticket were also provided by Mission Southside for single parents, the elderly and the disabled that could be used between May 8 and May 14.

As for what comes next for the property, the city spokesperson said the complex is private property and reopening it would require bringing the streets and utility systems back up to code, which the owner is responsible for.

KCTV5 reached out to the property owners, KDR Group, who acquired the complex in 2022.

A lawyer representing the owners said the notice of condemnation to Aspen Place Apartments was a surprise.

They said that since they purchased the property in 2022, they had been addressing ongoing water issues and had already begun developing engineering plans for a full water line replacement.

Management claims they were actively working to fix the water line when Gardner police showed up to serve the notice and stopped repairs.

They believe the condemnation would have been avoided if the fire truck incident hadn’t happened but state that they are willing to work with the city moving forward.

In response, the city said:

“The city has not received, reviewed, approved, or issued permits for the referenced waterline replacement plans. In addition to the water system, the sewer system would need to be brought up to code to address the frequent line breakages, and the street network would require reconstruction to meet city code, including the ability to support emergency response apparatus up to 75,000 pounds.”

Employees at local moving companies spent their time off assisting residents’ move out.

“We’ve been bringing boxes since about 7:30 this morning,” said Brian Calkis with Vema Moving. “We’ve been unloading boxes, helping people pack when they need it. We’ve been helping with heavy furniture and helping other moving teams that have been out here helping too. I’ve had to start over myself, so I know the feeling. People are feeling helpless, so it’s best to jump up and help.”

They’ve been stacking boxes they’ve picked up from businesses across the city and boxes, plastic bins, and bubble wrap that have been dropped off by community members inside empty apartments.

Chris Kiger used to live in one of the apartments; he just moved out. He was one of many residents at work who heard what was happening through social media. He called one of his friends from church, who saw what was happening and offered him a place to stay.

“There were so many people who came here helping me,” said Kiger. “I got everything out and when I came back and looked around, I felt like I needed to help.”

He has been going door to door to every apartment, asking if they need any help. He’s kept a detailed list in a notebook he keeps at his side, next to a walkie talkie to coordinate help.

“I’m going to be out here until nobody needs nobody no more,” said Kiger. “I’m sticking strong with all these guys.”

Wednesday night, organizations set up at Grace Baptist Church to offer residents free food, water, and resources. Residents who weren’t able to drive there were provided transportation.

“We have 11 organizations here right now,” said Melissa Prins with Hope Market. “Last night we had about 17 and they were able to donate funds, donate time, it’s just been great. The outpouring of support has been amazing.”

A fundraiser started yesterday has raised over $42,000. Prins says that money will go to Aspen Place residents to pay application and deposit fees, as well as first month’s rent at a new place.

“They’re also learning where they can board their pets for free, where they can get storage for their belongings, and we just really want them to know this is a community that loves them,” said Prins.

She says if Aspen Place residents were not able to come to Wednesday night’s event, they can reach out to The Hope Market for information on available resources.

Another addition: The City of Gardner says temporary housing options are available through the Salvation Army in Olathe and Project 10-20. To be considered, Aspen Place residents have to complete a special housing screening at the Aspen Place Resource Center located at New Century Fieldhouse. The city also has a full list of additional resources available to residents.

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