Resource Center Offering Aid to Illinois Tornado Victims
More than a dozen state and local agencies in Illinois will have representatives on hand when a Multi-Agency Resource Center opens Dec. 7-8 in Taylorville, Ill., to help residents affected by tornadoes that struck the area Dec. 1.
More than a dozen state and local agencies in Illinois will have representatives on hand when a Multi-Agency Resource Center opens Dec. 7-8 in Taylorville, Ill., to help residents affected by tornadoes that struck the area Dec. 1. The center is a one-stop shop for tornado survivors to access disaster-related relief services and information.
Christian County residents affected by the tornadoes are encouraged to visit the center at Taylorville Christian Church, 1124 N. Webster St. It will be open Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proof of address is requested.
At least 21 people in Taylorville were injured when a tornado did significant damage in the town of about 11,000 residents. It is located 25 miles southeast of the state capital, Springfield.
Agencies participating at the center include the American Red Cross; the state Department on Aging, Department of Insurance, and Department of Human Services; the state attorney general’s office; the Christian County Health Department; the Christian County Family Community Resource Center; and several disaster relief organizations.
On Dec. 3, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner declared Christian County a disaster area. The National Weather Service concluded that three tornadoes caused damage in the county, with local officials reporting more than 500 structures were damaged. The state of Illinois has personnel and assets that have mobilized to help local government officials with disaster recovery, including heavy equipment and personnel to remove debris, communications equipment, and assistance with security and other public safety issues.