How To Help The Green Tree Condominium Families

PALOS HILLS, IL — Before the displaced residents’ heads hit their pillows in the temporary lodgings hours after a fire tore through the Green Tree Condominiums on Christmas day, their Palos Hills neighbors were already mobilizing help. Many had to run out of their units in their pajamas and were not able to return to retrieve jackets, shoes, clothing and personal documents.

“I try to imagine what it would be like to lose everything on any day let alone on Christmas,” said Shari Schmidt, one of the community organizers. “We’re in the middle of the pandemic. Most people didn’t get together with their families. It’s already a strange year, and all they have is what they’re wearing.”

The entire 40-unit building, 9954 84th Terrace, Palos Hills, has been deemed uninhabitable by the Palos Hills building commissioner. Four units are totaled, others sustained heavy smoke damage. Schmidt and her group have created a Google doc of individual family’s needs and email addresses.

>>> Palos Hills Condo Resident Recalls Moments Before Christmas Fire

“This is a long-term emergency for these families,” Schmidt said. “They need a lot of long term support.”

Schmidt reached out to Dist. 230. A teacher from Sandburg High School dropped off several gift cards t Schmidt’s house; other staff and families from Stagg High School, where Schmidt’s daughters attend high school have been emailing gift cards to families.

“We’re asking people to donate directly to the families,” Schmidt said, “especially Walmart and Target gift cards because you can get everything.”

The group has also been collecting boxes. Residents are being allowed into their units this week to pack up their belongings.

>>> Mayor Bennett Responds To Green Tree Condominium Fire

“Half the residents were owners, and half were renters,” Schmidt said. “The owners are in slightly better shap. Several renters didn’t have insurance.”

Community organizations that have stepped forward include New Beginnings Church, St. Vincent De Paul Society and the Arab American Action Network. BEDS Plus is helping families to find new places to live. For more information email Shari Schmidt at slcs48n1@yahoo.com.

Palos Hills Alderwomen Donna O’Connell and Dawn Nowak offered assistance, and Palos Township candidate Tammy Georgiou has reached out to see how her team could help.

The City of Palos Hills is also coordinating monetary and gift card donations with the Hills Kiwanis. Checks (made payable to the Hills Kiwanis) and gift cards can be dropped off at the Palos Hills Community Center, 8455 W. 103rd St. The community center will be closed during the New Year holiday, so please contact Mike Lebarre from the Hills Kiwanis at lebarremike@gmail.com, and he will make arrangements to pick up donations.

Meanwhile, the following residents of Green Tree Condominiums have set up GoFundMe to help pay for hotels, security deposits, relocation and other incidental expenses:

• Ashley Harr and Tim Tobin
• Jessica Lynn Mendoza
• Deanna Watts
• Lisa Laaouina