After the flash floods in Chicago subsided, it seemed like residents were not heard about the number of homes they lost – until now.
July 11, 2023, on a Tuesday afternoon, residents call for state help in dealing with the flood issue. In attendance of this meeting IL Senate Don Harmon allegedly claims that he has confirmation directly from J.B. Pritzker of state help, officially signing the West Side of Chicago as a disaster area.
With this into effect, all residents, regardless of insurance policies or otherwise will receive mass help in restoring their homes.
Previous Help from the City
But this help comes after weeks of back-to-back flooding in the area. many residents have homes with unusable basements and even permanently damaged flooring. Residents both healthy and ill must try and clear out the flooded sewage water. Many residents use these spaces for bedrooms, food storage, and more.
Despite the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District stating that they are already doing as much as they can, for many residents, it is not enough.
Hundreds of residents packed into a Columbus Park Refectory that morning to call for what could be done on July 11.
“The first thing we lost was our furnace, which cost $12,000,” flood victim Jake Towers said. “This was not an act of God. We usually say this was an act of God… This was something that was done by the city.”
Thus, many residents call into question the way these extreme floodings were handled, and many insurance companies and organizations labeled it as “not serious enough”.
Residents like Yvette McCallum lost their homes entirely, as her garden apartment on Iowa Street completely flooded.
“I lost everything – I mean everything. Then the next day after the flood, I lost my car.”
Currently, Trucks located at 3854 W August are unloading protection masks and gloves for residents until state help can arrive. Just in time for another day’s long rain.
Written by Brielle R. Buford
Sources:
abc7: West Side residents impacted by heavy flooding seek financial help, answers from the government
Interview: Princess Shaw
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Princess Shaw
Inset Image Courtesy of Princess Shaw
