Hazel Crest seeks temporary housing for families displaced by July 27 tornado ahead of school year

HAZEL CREST, Ill. (WLS) -- The village of Hazel Crest is seeking temporary housing options for families displaced by a tornado that struck July 27, as some residents continue to recover from earlier storms while also dealing with the effects of Tuesday's severe weather.

The American Red Cross is again offering assistance to Hazel Crest residents. While many are without power following Tuesday's storm, village officials said about 100 families were displaced by the tornado that damaged homes just over two weeks ago.

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Residents are not allowed back into the townhouses on 171st Street after the roof was ripped off the building during the tornado. Village officials said Hazel Crest has exhausted its supply of hotel vouchers and is appealing to landlords and others who may be able to provide temporary housing.

"We definitely encourage those who perhaps are landlords who have properties who are willing to take in people on an expedited basis to reach out to the village and let us know," said Nakita Cloud, a spokesperson for the Village of Hazel Crest.

Village officials said they are especially concerned about displaced families with children preparing to return to school.

"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.

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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.