A day after a fire ravaged a homeless encampment off Route 31 in Elgin Wednesday, civic and nonprofit organization leaders began outreach and fundraisers to help those who were affected.
Kingdom House of Restoration Church elder John Tyson was on hand to help the Association for Individual Development’s Street Outreach pop-up Thursday where people dropped off donations to help the homeless who were affected by the fire in what is known as Elgin’s tent city.
“There’s so much love and so much giving,” Tyson said, as he watched people sort through coats, sweaters, hats and gloves. “It’s what Elgin is all about.”
Street Outreach Manager Lyndsay Hartman said Elginites have been calling advocates who work with the homeless and started dropping off items at the pop up, located in a parking lot at North Grove Avenue.
“I’m so thankful the community has stepped up the way they have. It’s been incredible. It’s beyond what we could have ever imagined. That’s the silver lining of this,” Hartman said.
Elgin Fire Department officials said the cause of the fire has not been determined, and no injuries were reported. None of the people who live in the encampment were at the site when the fire broke out, officials explained.
“We’ve been scrounging to make sure we can provide everything we can,” Hartman said.
People started mobilizing to help Wednesday night when fire started in the encampment and damaged four or five structures. Elgin firefighters had to turn away one person who brought winter coats to the scene because people living in the tent city weren’t around, irfe Chief Robb Cagann said.
Street Outreach is still trying to connect with people who lost everything in the fire, Hartman said.
Five people were affected by the fire, Elgin fire officials said Thursday.
“I think everyone is overwhelmed and scared right now,” Hartman said. We’re trying to gently offer what we can while respecting that they just suffered a trauma.”
The outreach is continuing, Hartman said.
There are many ways the community can help.
Paul’s Family Restaurant started an Amazon wish list to raise donations for the homeless. The restaurant has been getting an overwhelming response from the community, according to a social media post.
The Elgin Fire Department is holding its annual coat drive and has drop-off locations at city fire stations.
Elgin city officials recommend making a monetary donation to the Elgin Cooperative Ministries, at https://www.elgincoopministry.com/donate. The organization provides hot meals daily to those in need.
People can also volunteer at a warming shelter.
Gloria Casas is a freelancer.
