Salvation Army Serves Residents of Apartment Fire at Multi-Agency Response Event
When a fire engulfed more than 90 apartments in Prospect Heights, families lost everything – clothing, pictures, furniture, state-issued identification and more. The Salvation Army was there to support the firefighters and the survivors, offering food, beverages and comfort.
Additionally, the Army organized a Multi-Agency Response Center (MARC) to provide survivors a one-stop location to meet with staff and volunteers from more than 15 agencies offering resources and information on insurance claims, securing identification and legal forms, obtaining furniture, rent/security deposit and more. Salvation Army volunteers provided childcare while parents spent time visiting with the different organizations.
Katiana and George* visited the MARC looking for help. “We were let into the apartment the next day to try and get some items, but there was broken glass everywhere, and we couldn’t even get to anything that was under the wet drywall. It just crumbled. We lost it all,” said Katiana.
They’ve been living in a motel until they can find a new place to rent. “Not only did the fire destroy our things, but it makes it really hard to recover,” George said. “We went to the motel down the street, but they wouldn’t just take cash. They needed a credit card. But our credit cards burned in the fire.” George said events like the MARC provide easy access to community groups. “We’re grateful to the organizations here because we only have to go to one place to get things taken care of. It’s a lot less stress during a very stressful time.”
The Salvation Army Emergency Assistance program provided residents with vouchers to The Salvation Army family stores, and is helping families with first month’s rent or a security deposit.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.