All DeKalb fire victims connected to temporary housing, agency says

DeKALB – All of the estimated 60 victims of a DeKalb apartment fire this week have been provided temporary housing, said a local agency in a Christmas Day update.

Family Service Agency of DeKalb County posted an update to its Facebook page thanking community members for their help with coordinated relief efforts for the 32 DeKalb families who lost their homes in a Sunday fire on West Hillcrest Drive.

“All families have received temporary housing thanks to donations submitted to Family Service Agency,” the agency’s social media update reads.

Permanent housing efforts are being coordinated through DeKalb Township, Family Service Agency and others.

The morning after the blaze broke out Sunday night at 1024 W. Hillcrest Drive, organizers had staged an emergency response area at Red Roof Inn, 1212 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb. At least 20 displaced families were staying at the hotel, agency staff told Shaw Local News Network.

The residents were expected to be provided with a 4 p.m. dinner daily. Donations of meals, utensils and dinnerware are welcome to be brought to Red Roof Inn.

Fire investigators have not yet determined if some of the apartment units in 934 or 930 Greenbrier Road will be saved.

“Regardless, we are committed to supporting these families until they achieve stability,” Family Service Agency staff wrote.

DeKalb Fire Chief Mike Thomas previously said the fire broke out in one of the West Hillcrest units and quickly spread to the building’s attic, catching the neighboring building on fire, too. All residents were evacuated and no injuries were reported. Crews battled the fire for hours Sunday night. Many families lost everything to the blaze just days before Christmas, responding agency staff said.

In the days since, nonprofits, churches and neighbors have stepped forward to support those reeling from the fire. Many of the families have children.

As of Wednesday, 1024 W. Hillcrest Drive has been condemned by the City of DeKalb due to water, smoke and fire damage. The neighboring buildings in the complex, formerly known as Hunter Tri-Frat, were deemed temporarily uninhabitable, according to the DeKalb Fire Department. Investigators have not yet said what caused the fire.

The American Red Cross is coordinating meals for the families. Agency officials said those looking to support fire victims are welcome to donate meals in the meantime.

Monetary donations also are still being accepted.

Other area organizations that have helped with relief efforts include Hillcrest Covenant Church, Kishwaukee United Way, Rooted for Good, First Congregational United Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, the City of DeKalb, 4C: Community Coordinated Childcare, Northwestern Medicine and more, according to the Family Service Agency.

“We are beyond grateful for this community’s outpouring of support,” agency staff wrote.

Ways to help

• Drop off hot meals for the residents can do so at Red Roof Inn, 1212 W. Lincoln Highway. Cutlery, plates, napkins, cups and other dinnerware items also are needed.
• Those in DeKalb Township can call 815-758-8282 to be connected to emergency assistance for rent, utilities and employment if needed to get back on their feet.
• Physical donations are not being accepted by Family Service Agency at this time. Organizers said those willing to donate clothing or other household goods to drop them off at Goodwill or The Salvation Army. The agency gave fire victims vouchers for the thrift stores.
• Monetary donations to Family Service Agency or other assisting agencies are welcome. Those interested in donating should contact Rylie Loucks-Kues, director of community programming and outreach, by emailing rlouckskues@fsadekalbcounty.org or calling 815-758-8616 ext. 1200. Online donations can be made at www.mygiving.net/donate/fsadekalbcounty. Monetary donations will go toward temporary housing, hotels, transportation and other urgent needs. Gifts cards are welcomed for clothing stores, local restaurants, Uber, grocery stores and other shops where families can purchase basic necessities.