The back of the building at 1279 Harding Ave., Des Plaines, was boarded up as of the morning of Friday, May 8. (Tom Robb/Journal photo)
Community organizations are mobilizing to provide financial aid, food, and trauma counseling to residents displaced by a massive explosion and fire that ravaged a 12-unit condominium building in Des Plaines early Wednesday.
The American Red Cross, Maine Township and local Lions clubs have established several avenues of support for the victims of the blaze at 1279 Harding Ave., which left seven people hospitalized and dozens without a home.
The Des Plaines Lions Club and the District 1-F Lions of Illinois have raised $3,000 for a disaster relief fund. Allan Hanson, president of the Des Plaines Lions Club, said a check will be presented to city officials this week to address “any need” for those impacted by the fire.
For those requiring immediate shelter or hygiene facilities, Mayor Andrew Goczkowski said Red Cross assistance remains available for anyone in need of a place to sleep or a shower.
Maine Township Administrator Victoria Rizzo in the Maine Township Food Pantry at 1700 Ballard Rd,, Park Ridge. (Tom Robb/Journal photo)
The Maine Township Food Pantry has waived its typical income eligibility requirements for those experiencing hardship due to the fire or associated power outages. Available resources include emergency boxes of food and personal care items, toiletries and other essential supplies, referrals for mental health and trauma counseling.
Maine Township Supervisor Kimberly Jones said that while the pantry maintains regular hours, staff can arrange off-hour accommodations to assist residents.
“Anyway we can help,” Jones said. “Maine Township is happy to provide emergency food and personal items to residents on an emergency basis.”
A box load of food from the Maine Township Food Pantry in front of Maine Township Hall at 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge. (Tom Robb/Journal photo)
Spokesman Martin McAlpin recommended that residents make an appointment with the township to determine which specific services — ranging from supplies to counseling — are best suited for their situation.
While the fire at 1279 Harding Ave. caused immediate destruction, it also forced a 20-hour power outage for three neighboring apartment buildings on Harding Avenue and Washington Street.
Power was restored around 9 p.m. Wednesday after ComEd officials successfully isolated the fire-damaged building from the rest of the grid. Fire Chief Matt Matzl noted the delay was necessary to prevent electrical arcing, which could have reignited the blaze.
The cause of the 1 a.m. explosion remains under investigation. Of the seven people injured, four remain in critical condition and three are in stable condition.
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