And on the 5th month there was water…

This headline probably has you wondering, what is the story about?

This story is about a community coming together to help an elderly woman who did not have running water for five months. Keeping reading to learn about this inspirational local story!

Ms. Ida Dowe, 85, a resident of Warren County, connected with Warren County Community Liaison, Michelle Smeltzer, as a last resort, after trying everything else she could think of to get water restored to her home after her well’s pump began malfunctioning. Nothing seemed to be working out, however. Hope was fading. What happens next will warm your heart and inspire your soul. There really is light at the end of the tunnel or in this case, water flowing through the faucet!

By chance, Michelle reached out to Joe Andrews who owns an excavating company. “I figured in his industry, Joe might know someone who would know how to fix issues with wells,” Michelle explained.

Joe called in the assistance of Donnie Chappell and Ken Duckworth, Duck’s Plumbing. Within hours, the trio had restored Ms. Dowe’s water flow into her home. The men donated their time and the few parts it took to repair the pump, for which Ms. Dowe was so happy and thankful!

During a visit with Ms. Dowe she reflects, “I felt like I was living in the early pioneer days collecting rain water to be able to flush my toilet.”

It is an unfortunate fact that Social Services simply does not have enough funding to help pay for all of the fixes, such as a well problem, car issue or leaking roof that some Warren County residents might face and just can’t afford.

Fundraising is done throughout the year but having some industry volunteers available and willing to offer expertise and help is what Ms. Smetlzer hopes she can assemble and energize to assist clients in just this type of situation.

Professionals like Joe, Donnie and Ken, who would step in and help in special situations like Ms. Dowe’s, are encouraged to contact Michelle Smeltzer to discuss helping her assemble a community network with expert knowledge who might be able to save the day for someone who is truly in need. Electricians, plumbers, roofers and mechanics are just a few of the industries where Social Services gets client calls for assistance.