What's next for almost 200 residents displaced in Tuesday, Thursday fires

DeKALB – Local social service agencies say they’re doing what they can to find temporary and permanent shelter for the almost 200 residents and their pets displaced by a Tuesday night fire at 808 Ridge Drive and a Thursday fire at 930 Greenbrier Road after both buildings were condemned by fire officials.

Representatives from DeKalb County Housing Authority and the American Red Cross are helping people relocate. Shelly Perkins, executive director of the DeKalb County Housing Authority, said during a Wednesday news conference she can’t emphasize enough how important it is for people to have renters insurance.

“But that should be no bearing to getting assistance or support in this instance,” Perkins said. “We’ve contacted Family Service Agency, and they will be joining the crowd and hopefully be able to offer some much-needed assistance.”

Staff from Tails Humane Society also were on the scene about 3 a.m. Wednesday morning to offer aid and collect pets for residents to temporarily re-home since pets aren’t allowed in emergency shelters, Tails executive director Michelle Groeper said. Tails has four animals in its care in need of foster homes until residents can find housing.

“It’s just sad,” Ward 1 Alderman Carolyn Morris said of the two-day ordeal. Both fires were in her ward. “[Residents] are long-term scared. Everyone’s trying their best.

“First step is to check with your renters insurance, if you have it, call that company,” she said. “The second step would be to touch base with [Hunter Properties property manager] Tiffany Meadows and see if there is any way they can get you into an alternative location.”

For assistance, contact:

Northern Illinois chapter of the American Red Cross – DeKalb Park District Sports & Recreation Center, 1765 S. Fourth St. (relocated from 507 E. Taylor St. to accommodate growing number of people in need).Clients should come in person to check in and fill out a client intake form.

DeKalb County Housing Authority– 310 N. 6th St. Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 815-758-2692

Tails Humane Society – 2250 Barber Greene Road. 815-758-2457

Source: The Daily Chronicle