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A polar vortex has swept the Midwest and Eastern regions of the United States, with temperatures reaching record lows as cold as -22 degrees. This isn’t great news for homeless people in the regions, but thankfully there are some good Samaritans out there who are trying to help them out.
70 homeless people were forced out of their encampment in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood after a propane tank exploded. The homeless people were given almost 100 propane tanks to keep warm during the extreme weather, but after the first explosion, the Chicago Fire Department had to take action and confiscate them. “There was a significant amount of propane there and with that many cylinders, that’s like a bomb going off,” Fire Chief Walter Schroeder told Chicago Tribune.
Salvation Army representative Jackie Rachev told CNN, “The Salvation Army was prepared to welcome approximately 70 individuals who were affected by the explosion, but was notified those services were not necessary as the individuals were already being taken [care] of.”
As it turned out, an anonymous good Samaritan offered to put up all 70 homeless people in a South Side hotel. While the identity of this kind Chicagoan remains unknown, as well as which hotel the individuals are staying at, Rachev said, “We are thrilled that they are safe and warm.”
The Chicago Fire Department later issued a statement that read: “During extreme cold weather, we understand that people want to help our homeless population. However, we ask that under no circumstance should you donate propane tanks which are potential fire hazards.”
