HAZEL CREST, Ill. (WLS) — As the community of Hazel Crest grapples with the aftermath of a powerful July 27 tornado, the village is actively searching for temporary housing solutions for families left homeless by the disaster. Residents are simultaneously managing the fallout from recent severe weather, adding to their challenges.
Once again, the American Red Cross has stepped forward to extend a helping hand to those in Hazel Crest. In the wake of Tuesday’s storm, which left many without electricity, village officials report that nearly 100 families are without homes due to the tornado’s destructive path two weeks prior.
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Due to significant damage from the tornado, residents are prohibited from returning to the townhouses on 171st Street, after the storm tore off the building’s roof. Village leaders indicate that their stock of hotel vouchers is depleted, prompting an urgent call to local landlords and others who might offer temporary shelters.
“We urge landlords with available properties to contact the village immediately if they can expedite housing for those in need,” stated Nakita Cloud, representing the Village of Hazel Crest, as part of the community’s appeal for support.
Officials are expressing heightened concern for families with children, as these young residents face the impending start of the school year while contending with temporary displacement.
“Especially at the beginning it’s how you set the tone for the rest of the school year feeling displaced or out of place I can only imagine how the kids feel in a addition to the parent,” Cloud said.
Among those affected is Asia Mixon, who said she and her son escaped their townhouse just before the tornado struck.
“I thank god that me and my children are alive that is the most important thing but rebuilding for them and me has been really hard for us,” Mixon said.
Her 12-year-old son, Avion Richardson, recalled the moments before the storm caused significant damage.
“We was in the house for a little bit and then we ran out because my windows had busted out,” Richardson said.
Mixon said she did not have renter’s insurance. She and her children lost their belongings, including the children’s musical instruments. The family is relying on help from friends and has launched a GoFundMe campaign as it works to stabilize its situation before the school year begins.
“The storm the debris from the tarp and the glass settled in and ruined everything,” Mixon said.
Her daughter, 13-year-old Avony Anderson, described the loss.
“Our stuff got messed up like our electronic our bed our clothes like everything got messed up,” Anderson said.
“It’s just hard because it’s a lot to think about,” she added.
Richardson said he was particularly upset about the damage to his instruments.
“I seen the piano it was like messed up I tried to fix in but it wouldn’t work and then my drum set got messed up I couldn’t fix it either,” he said.
The family’s dog, Ace, escaped with them during the tornado. Now, Mixon said, the family is focused on rebuilding and finding stability.
“I know for sure it will affect them in school because they can’t concentrate they are worried about stability we lost our home and they’ve never been through anything this traumatic,” Mixon said.
Village officials said they hope people who can provide temporary housing will come forward to help families like the Mixons get settled before the start of the school year.
Those able to help offer housing to people in need have been asked to contact the village of Hazel Crest at jratliff@villageofhazelcrest.com.
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