An outpouring of community support and emergency assistance has lifted the spirits of about 25 Hispanic families left homeless by a Sunday apartment building fire in Mt. Prospect.
Cheers erupted in a crowded Red Roof Inn conference room Tuesday night, where dozens had gathered to learn where they would be staying in coming weeks as repairs are made to the building at Prospect Commons Apartments, 1968 Algonquin Rd.
The roughly 120 victims of the fire, more than half of them children, are weighing their options after a consortium of groups led by the American Red Cross joined forces on their behalf.
Among those agencies is the Hispanic Council, whose members feverishly worked the phones Tuesday and came up with a list of houses and apartments that may be available to the residents.
Many of the families spent Monday night on cots inside the Mt. Prospect RecPlex gymnasium before being moved to the Red Roof Inn.
The Mid-America Red Cross chapter and the Village of Mt. Prospect Human Services Department are splitting the cost of the rooms for as many as four nights, according to Red Cross spokesman Phil Zepeda.
The recreation center guests included a 12-day-old infant and a pregnant woman who went into labor.
There also were high school students, including 17-year-old Laura Flores, coping with the crisis amid the stress of final exams.
“We are all trying to figure out what to do next,” said Annie Campbell, a complex building manager. “They need just about everything.”
A building manager has arranged for the swift return of apartment security deposits, and five area churches have pledged to help with long-term needs, according to Sonny Derivera, Hispanic Ministry coordinator for five Catholic parishes in Mt. Prospect and Prospect Heights.
Those who wish to contribute money or new clothing should contact the village human services department, said Nina Persino, a village social worker.
