West Side Groups Scramble To Help Residents After Area Hammered By Floods: 'This Is A Public Health Crisis'

Gov. JB Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation to free up more local and state resources. In the meantime, West Side community groups are stepping up to help — and they need volunteers.

AUSTIN — Local organizations are stepping up to help hundreds of West Siders who have experienced flooding as state leaders approve more emergency resources to help.

Nearly one in four households in Austin have reported flooding after record-breaking storms swept through Chicago July 1-2, Rep. La Shawn Ford said. West Siders and western suburban residents saw up to 9 inches and flash flood warnings over the 24 hours.

Numerous people are still without water heaters and air conditioning, while countless others have lost possessions and experienced severe damage to their homes, Ford said.

“The water, for the most part, came and went,” Ford said. “But it left its mark with mud, damaged furniture, clothing and other property. I’ve seen people who have been displaced from the flood. It’s been life-changing for people.”

Frustrated residents packed a community meeting last week demanding more help from local officials. On Tuesday, Gov. JB Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation for numerous counties, including Cook County, the same day Ford wrote a letter requesting he do so. Ford’s letter requested Mayor Brandon Johnson issue a similar decree.

The disaster proclamation should open up more resources for Austin because it will allow the governor to distribute relief funding without involving legislators, so people can access support more quickly, Ford said.

“To support those impacted across the state, I have signed a disaster proclamation to mobilize every available resource, accelerating the recovery process and providing relief for our residents,” Pritzker said in a press release.

In the meantime, the Westside Health Authority has been connecting residents with already-existing state financial assistance programs as well as mobilizing volunteers to help with cleanup efforts throughout the community.

People can sign up to volunteer or request volunteer assistance on Westside Health Authority’s website. People can also get involved in cleanup efforts through Every Block A Village Christian Fellowship, 5834 W. Augusta Blvd.

Westside Health Authority has connected about 10 seniors with volunteers, but there’s still a waitlist with at least 45 households in need of help, said Quiwana Bell, chief operating officer of Westside Health Authority.

The organization hasn’t received any additional funding to help with relief efforts, but its leaders plan to meet with the Illinois Department of Human Services this week to request more support, Bell said.

“We know that the longer the water sits, the more damage it causes,” Bell said. “I really want to stress that time is of the essence. Seniors, in particular, are a group that’s very susceptible to health risks from the mold that’s currently growing in their homes.”

Ford said anyone who’s experienced flooding should schedule doctors’ appointments to find out if they’ve experienced any health complications from coming in contact with mold.

“This is a public health crisis,” Ford said. “If people are living with mold in their houses, it impacts their breathing and their overall health. It’s important that people do everything they can to protect themselves.”

Ford is also asking utility companies not to shut off people’s services if they’re unable to pay their bills while dealing with emergency expenses caused by the flooding.

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