Tornado Leaves Damage in Justice, Residents Seek Aid

Lisa Muellman, who hails from Evergreen Park, called her apartment in Justice her first real home after years of uncertainty. Over five years, she transformed the space with family photos, books, and a thrifted turquoise cabinet. “It was my sanctuary,” she recalled.

On June 11, a tornado struck the area’s apartment buildings at 8045 and 8049 W. 83rd St. Wind speeds ranged from 111 to 135 mph, informed the National Weather Service. The storm disrupted Muellman’s life and those around her. A week later, surrounded by damaged belongings, she expressed uncertainty about what to salvage. Authorities and insurance companies are assessing whether to repair or destroy the buildings. The Red Cross offered her temporary shelter, yet she struggled with moving and storing her belongings. “I’m alive, but yeah, I’m leaving a lot behind,” she commented, seeking organizational help.

By June 17, severe storms across Chicago persisted, reported Alex Joves, Executive Director of the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security. As of June 18, 676 Cook County residents noted storm damage through a departmental survey. “Our communities experienced significant impacts from last week’s storms,” Joves stated.

The tornado near Muellman’s apartment in Hickory Hills was one of 17 that affected the region on June 11, as per the National Weather Service. Justice Police Department received numerous emergency calls near Muellman’s building, said Deputy Police Chief Fred Schuerg. Reports included falling ceilings, downed power lines, and no electricity. Schuerg mentioned minor injuries but no fatalities from the storm. One building’s roof and walls were severely damaged, leaving buildings looking twisted.

Power outages previously affected 674,600 homes due to a derecho with gusts up to 85 mph. Fortunately, many residents had already left their unpowered homes before the June 11 tornado. However, Muellman faced difficulty planning her next steps. Her landlord informed them to find temporary housing for six months while reconstruction occurred. Yet, long-term housing remained uncertain. Initially finding refuge with a friend, her friend’s health issues made her future stay unclear. A $100 monthly 5-by-10 storage unit proved inadequate for all her belongings.

After sifting through her apartment, Muellman intended to retain only essentials like her couch, family photos, china, and some clothing. Others, like her books and favorite cabinet, would remain behind. “I love to read, and there’s so many that I haven’t read yet that were given to me,” she shared.

She’s also awaiting rent rebates and her security deposit return. Her mail remains paused, with no new setup decided yet.

James Lurquin, Deputy Code Enforcement Officer for Justice, suggested contacting the Red Cross for resources. The future of the two apartment buildings relies on insurance assessments and possible demolition permits, which could take three to five days each. Currently, tarps cover the damaged structures, and cleanup is ongoing.

Local officials, the Red Cross, and advocates promote seeking assistance, whether shelter, mental health support, or basics like medication replacement. “These disasters are a loss, and sometimes it’s helpful for people to sit down and speak with somebody with a mental health background,” said Connie Esparza of the American Red Cross of Illinois. The Red Cross can be reached at 1-800-733-2767 for help.