Whittier Families in Pilsen Fire

Yesterday was "El Grito " a celebration of Mexico's Independence.  Early this morning at 3am, multiple fires in Pilsen displaced 5 families from Whittier Elementary in Pilsen.

Manuel Beltran, is the father of one the 5 Whittier families, who was affected by the recent fire.  After securing the safety of his family,  he instinctively darted back into the fire to rescue the family that was still trapped in the basement.

Multiple fires were reported on the 2200 block of South Blue Island Avenue, destroying seven homes and leaving 18 people homeless. There is official concern that fires were set intentionally. Some lost everything in the fire. 

We are calling on the Whittier, Pilsen and Chicago community to come together to help these displaced families.

Monetary donations will be monitored and distributed by school staff in charge of this campaign to ensure that all contributions are allocated directly to the families as they search for housing and other needs. 

Funds from this campaign will divided amongst the families affected by the arson in Pilsen.  Funds will be used to purchase school supplies, clothing, furniture, housewares, college textbooks for one of the family members, winter coats and boots, and to pay for security deposits on new housing for those families displaced by the fires.  Funds will be dispersed by a member of the Whittier School staff to ensure that all monies collected are given directly to those families in need. Makenson Biename is a Special Education Teacher at the school where the students are currently enrolled.  Mr. Bienaime will withdraw the funds in his name to disperse to the beneficiaries at the school, under the supervision of school administration.



Allison Manasse is the counselor at Whittier Elementary where many of the displaced children attend school.  She has worked with the families who will benefit from the funds collected from this campaign for several years. 


https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160916/pilsen/7-intentionally-set-pilsen-fires-leave-man-dead-dozens-displaced 


http://abc7chicago.com/news/1-dead-in-pilsen-fires;-arson-investigation-underway/1514050/