Donations Sought After Fires At Homeless Encampment

ELGIN, IL — Donations are being sought to help those affected by a two fires that happened at a homeless encampment in Elgin in recent weeks.

• Fire Reported At Homeless Encampment In Elgin

A blaze was reported at the encampment near State and Wing streets at about 11:49 p.m. Thursday. When fire crews arrived at the scene, they found three structures fully engulfed in flames, according to a news release from the fire department.

After putting out the blaze, firefighters found the remains of a dog while searching the structures, according to the news release. A different fire was reported on Dec. 4 at an encampment near North State Street and Kimball Street, according to a news release from the Elgin Fire Department.

The cause of the fires remain under investigation.

Anyone wishing to make donations to those affected by the blaze can do so through Elgin Cooperative Ministries. Elgin Cooperative Ministries provides daily hot meals to those in need, and financial support allows for flexibility in addressing specific needs as they arise.

In addition, the city of Elgin is sponsoring an overnight warming shelter to provide a safe and warm space for those experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can sign up through the city’s website.