By Glenn Rolfe

LAUREL — The first phase of what may have seemed like mission impossible is complete.

Twenty-six days after a fire razed the century-old Rigbie Apartments in Laurel, leaving more than 50 adults and children homeless, all those displaced are in temporary or permanent housing.

On Tuesday, the last family left hotel accommodations for a rental they can call home until a permanent residence is secured.

“We’re celebrating today because everyone is out of the hotel,” said K.C. Conaway, co-founder of the Good Ole Boy Foundation, which spearheaded the relocation efforts.

Most families displaced by the Jan. 27 blaze that destroyed the complex are Hispanic.

To mark the successful plateau, on Wednesday, Mr. Conaway and fellow GOBF co-founder Josh Wharton were studio guests on La ZMX Delaware, a Hispanic radio station in western Sussex County that has offered its support during this bilingual story of tragedy, hope and success.

GOBF, through its vast network and community reach, has facilitated assistance for those made homeless. In addition to clothing, furniture, appliances and other needs, monetary contributions helped group foot the hotel bills.

“Everybody involved, we all bleed red,” said Mr. Wharton. “God loves us all. It doesn’t matter what color you are. That doesn’t define who you are.”

Mr. Conaway added, “There has not been one need that has not been met. If someone said, ‘I need this,’ they got that.”

While they may have served as the spark, GOBF members say the hero’s cape must be worn by many.

“It was a group effort of all of us. We can accomplish so much more when we just love each and just help each other,” said Mr. Wharton. “Your efforts helped the families get to where we are today.”

Mr. Conaway said he believes the fire, while tragic, has been a godsend in a certain way, breaking down barriers and uniting those of different cultures who otherwise may have never crossed paths.

“The Good Ole Boy Foundation had not had a lot of exposure in the Latino community. This relationship between this community and allowing us to be a part of the Latino community, we’re excited. We’re looking forward to future partnerships,” he said. “This mends a lot of things. It creates a bridge. With that bridge comes understanding that there are differences, but there are a lot more similarities.”

Mr. Wharton agreed, saying, “This tragedy brought us together. It is our dream that that night is the worst point of their life. And it’s all uphill from there.”

About half the families are in permanent housing, while the others have temporary accommodations.

“But they can get back to life. We’re going to plan on still continuing to walk with them until we find them all permanent housing,” said Mr. Conaway. “We’re looking forward to see what God has planned for the next phase. That’s what we are in now. We consider this phase 2: Get everyone permanent housing.”

After that, it’s phase 3, with financial coaching and credit counseling to help those interested in owning homes.

“Then, they are going to be part of the Good Ole Boy Foundation Hispanic Division,” said Mr. Wharton.

Mr. Conaway noted that this GOBF initiative aided the foundation, as well as the displaced residents.

“We’re going to look a lot different, I think, when we roll up on the scene of the next tragedy,” he said. “I think we are going to be represented from different cultures, from different countries. We’re looking forward to working together with our new friends and families. We feel like the Good Ole Boy Foundation has become a lot stronger because of this.”