Affordable housing search ‘critical challenge’ for DeKalb fire victims, agency says

DeKALB – A DeKalb County service agency is calling on local landlords to offer affordable permanent housing for dozens of DeKalb residents displaced in a major apartment fire this week.

Staff with the Family Service Agency of DeKalb County called the search for affordable housing “a critical challenge” in an update to Shaw Local on Thursday.

“As recovery efforts continue following the devastating Hillcrest/Greenbrier apartment fire, local organizations and officials are working tirelessly to support displaced residents,” agency relief coordinator Rylie Loucks-Kues said. “Many families are in immediate need of housing, but the availability of affordable rental units remains a critical challenge.”

Loucks-Kues, community programming and outreach director at the Family Service Agency, has helped lead efforts for the estimated 60 residents among 32 families who lost their home just days before Christmas.

“We are urgently appealing to property managers and landlords in the DeKalb area to assist by providing information on any available rental units.”

—  Rylie Loucks-Kues, Family Service Agency of DeKalb community programming and outreach director

One building, 1024 W. Hillcrest Drive, in the three-building complex formerly known as Hunter Tri-Frat on the city’s north side was condemned. City fire investigators condemned the building because of fire, smoke and water damage, Fire Chief Mike Thomas said.

As of Friday, investigators still had not announced what caused the fire.

The neighboring buildings at 930 and 934 Greenbrier Road also sustained some fire damage and have been deemed uninhabitable. Officials haven’t yet said if residents will be able to return to those units, according to the DeKalb Fire Department.

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. All residents were evacuated, and no injuries were reported. Crews battled the blaze for hours Sunday night. Many families lost everything just days before Christmas, responding agency staff said.

On Monday morning, Loucks-Kues and others from the city of DeKalb, DeKalb Township, American Red Cross and other organizations gathered at Red Roof Inn to help families settle into temporary housing.

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

By Christmas Day, the agency announced that all those affected had been connected to temporary housing. The search for a new permanent home has now begun, and officials said that will pose a challenge for many.

“We are urgently appealing to property managers and landlords in the DeKalb area to assist by providing information on any available rental units,” Loucks-Kues said. “Affordable options are especially needed to help affected families secure stable housing during this difficult time.”

Loucks-Kues said landlords who have available units are asked to contact her with details including availability and rental costs. She can be reached at rlouckskues@fsadekalbcounty.org.

“Your assistance could make a significant difference in helping families rebuild their lives,” she said.

Monetary donations also still are desperately needed to provide essential support for the residents, Loucks-Kues said. Donations will help cover critical needs such as housing, food and other emergency expenses. The agency in the immediate aftermath helped pay for hotel stays for families who needed a roof over their head in the interim.

Online donations can be made at www.mygiving.net/donate/fsadekalbcounty.

“Every contribution, no matter the size, makes an impact,” Loucks-Kues said. “We are grateful for the community’s ongoing support and ask for your continued generosity as we work together to address this crisis.”