Written by Shangyu Dai
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ida Eva Zielinska
A fire caused severe damage to an apartment building in Elgin, Illinois, on March 26, 2024, leaving 29 residents without a home. According to reports from the local fire department and descriptions from affected residents, an unlicensed plumber’s improper work caused a natural gas leak that ignited the blaze.
The local American Red Cross (ARC) immediately contacted the displaced residents and offered them temporary shelter at Larkin Avenue Baptist Church near the apartment building. Subsequently, ARC called the Tzu Chi USA Midwest Region Office in Chicago, which prepared for a disaster relief distribution at the shelter on March 29.
Human Error Caused the Fire
Alexia Perez, one of the residents, was at work when she received the distressing call that the apartment building she lived in was on fire. Her first thought was, “My cat was still in the apartment,” so she rushed home immediately. “Standing downstairs, I saw the second and third floors engulfed in flames while the black smoke billowed up, covering the sky. The sight was shocking,” she remembers.
As firefighters arrived on the scene, they deployed multiple hoses to the second and third floors and got the blaze under control in just 17 minutes. It then took another hour for them to extinguish small hidden fires still burning inside.
To Perez’s relief, the firefighters successfully rescued her beloved cat. “My sister-in-law also managed to escape. Everyone is fine. But we lost most of our belongings,” she said. The fire caused severe damage in Perez’s apartment: The ceiling collapsed, leaving the floor covered with gray ash, and various burned items were scattered everywhere when she returned.
The cause of the fire that displaced 29 residents could be traced back to a problem with a bathroom pipe, for which the owner called in a plumber. However, the plumber was unlicensed, and his inappropriate operation cut off the natural gas pipeline, leading to a natural gas leak that ultimately ignited the fire. According to the fire department’s report, initially estimated losses amounted to more than $400,000.
Tzu Chi Mobilized Help Quickly
On Friday, March 29, three days after the fire, Tzu Chi USA Midwest Region volunteers Chong Hsieh and Yahmei Hsieh came to the temporary shelter for displaced residents to offer tangible help and moral support. They witnessed firsthand the plight of fire-impacted residents, many of whom were cradling young children or pets, uncertain of their next move. It was a heartbreaking sight, yet the volunteers fought to maintain smiles on their faces, knowing how a positive spirit and warm embraces can bring the light of hope to disaster survivors, banishing the darkness of fear and despair.
Chong Hsieh and Yahmei Hsieh carefully explained how to fully use the disaster relief funds Tzu Chi provided to help them take a solid step on the road to rebuilding their lives. Of the $800 amount given, $600 was to help pay hotel bills so they could have a stable place to stay when searching for a new place to live. The remaining $200 was to support their daily expenses, including groceries and necessities.
The volunteers spoke about Tzu Chi’s history, encouraging everyone to help each other in adversity and work side by side to rebuild after disasters. They shared about Tzu Chi’s eco-blankets, made from recycled plastic bottles, and encouraged everyone to follow a vegetarian diet to protect the earth. And, they introduced the profound meaning contained in Tzu Chi’s bamboo bank spirit, which promotes that small acts of kindness accumulate and send out ripples of love that can transform the world.
During the distribution, Alexia Perez expressed her gratitude to Tzu Chi, saying, “You guys helped us without even having to know us or anything. This is really a big help, you know, because sometimes people don’t have any family to turn to, or they’re unwilling to help.”
Today is the first time I heard about this organization. To be honest, the story behind Tzu Chi is even surprising. What an amazing group of people.
Happy Endings
As volunteer Yahmei Hsieh handed relief supplies to a father and daughter, the little girl took one of the bags with a confused look, as she didn’t know how to hold it. Seeing this, Chong Hsieh explained warmly, “This is a schoolbag, especially for you.” As he said this, he helped the little girl put it on. Once she did, a happy smile appeared on her face.
When the two Tzu Chi volunteers first entered the emergency shelter, everyone in the room looked lost and worried. However, after they had offered their heartfelt counsel and distributed relief supplies, the care recipients found themselves more relaxed and ready to smile anew. When taking photos at the end, the faces of the displaced families, Tzu Chi volunteers, and American Red Cross volunteers all radiated happiness.
At this moment, the photo captured the hope and love of the world. The light of compassion can truly open the heart, inspiring kindness and illuminating a new way forward. With Buddha Dharma in their hearts, Tzu Chi volunteers aim to relieve suffering and help those in need. Your love and support empower all their activities.
