Kankakee, IL – Residents struggling to secure their belongings following Tuesday’s destructive EF-3 tornado can now access free emergency storage through a regional relief program launched today at the local U-Haul facility.
Aroma Park and Kankakee residents whose homes or businesses were damaged or destroyed are eligible for 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box portable container use. According to Dana Starr, general manager of the U-Haul store at 1200 N. Kennedy Drive, the initiative is intended to provide a dry and secure solution for families as they begin the difficult process of sorting through debris and assessing property loss.
According to Jeff Lockridge, manager of media and public relations for U-Haul International, the offer is available to new customers and is strictly based on current availability at the Kankakee location. While the storage units and on-site U-Box use are provided at no cost for the first month, officials noted that a modest fee may still apply if residents require the delivery of portable containers to their specific home sites.
Information provided by the facility indicates that the tornado allegedly left a significant trail of damage across the city and neighboring Aroma Park, making public access to storage vital for the community’s recovery. Residents in need of these services are encouraged to stop by the Kennedy Drive location or call 815-401-1301 to verify availability and arrange for their free 30-day rental. This assistance reportedly complements similar programs offered by other local businesses, including First Trust Bank and Mobile Affordable Storage.
