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Township, churches and businesses mobilize after multi-unit fire displaces 32 households
Summary
Supervisor House described the township's response to a Dec. fire that affected 32 units, including hotel placements, donated meals and gift cards, and ongoing housing needs for displaced renters.
Supervisor House, township supervisor, told the DeKalb Township Board of Trustees on Jan. 27 that a multi-unit fire over the holidays displaced residents from 32 units and that township staff and community partners mounted an immediate response.
The township coordinated with the city and the mayor's office to direct residents to Westminster Presbyterian Church the night of the incident and to secure hotel rooms at the Red Roof Inn for shelter, House said. By the following day local organizations had set up in a hotel banquet room to help residents with immediate needs.
The township obtained a resident list from the property landlord, called residents who were not present and arranged transportation for some people. Panera, Dunkin' Donuts and Chinooks donated breakfast; Jewel and Casey's provided evening and next-day meals; the road district donated water; and local groups collected additional funds through Family Service Agency, House said. The Red Cross, Family Service Agency, the school district, the regional office of education and the Ben Gordon Center were among agencies on site, she said.
House said the township attempted to buy a large number of gift cards for residents but learned Walmart limits gift-card purchases to $1,000 per day; Meijer agreed to fulfill the township's request instead. House also said most residents were covered by renters insurance and city staff member Jennifer Yoakam helped people activate claims. Kim (last name not specified) provided translation for bilingual residents.
"It was a moment of pride for several of us," House said, describing the coordinated community response over several days.
House said some residents have been rehoused but many still face difficulty finding housing that meets their needs. The township and local nonprofits are continuing to coordinate housing referrals, furniture donations and vouchers for essentials. Love Inc. was named as helping with furniture donations; Family Service Agency provided vouchers to its community store.
The township's report did not propose new policy changes or budget approvals tied to the relief effort at the meeting. House said staff would continue to monitor needs and report back if additional assistance or formal actions are required.
Ending: The board was not asked to take formal action on the fire response at the Jan. 27 meeting; House said the township will follow up with agencies and return with updates as needs become clearer.
