Kankakee Residents Brace for More Severe Weather After Tornado Cleanup

Red Cross shelter opens at local church to provide aid as community rallies to support those impacted

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:19am

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Kankakee residents are still recovering from a devastating tornado earlier this week, and now face additional severe weather including heavy rain and falling temperatures. A Red Cross shelter has been set up at Redeeming Life Ministries church to provide a warm place, meals, and other support for those who have lost their homes and property. Community members and church volunteers are donating supplies and helping with the cleanup efforts.

Why it matters

The back-to-back severe weather events in Kankakee have compounded the challenges for residents who are already dealing with significant property damage and loss from the initial tornado. The Red Cross shelter and community support are crucial in providing aid and comfort to those impacted during this difficult time.

The details

After Tuesday's tornado, Kankakee residents were already in the midst of a major cleanup effort when severe weather returned on Sunday, bringing heavy rain and falling temperatures. This added to the difficulties faced by those who had lost their homes and belongings. The Red Cross quickly set up a shelter at Redeeming Life Ministries church, located near the tornado's path, to provide a warm place, meals, and other assistance. Church members and volunteers have been donating supplies and helping residents affected by the storm.

  • The tornado struck Kankakee on Tuesday, March 14, 2026.
  • The severe weather with heavy rain and falling temperatures returned on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Redeeming Life Ministries

A local church in Kankakee that opened its doors as a Red Cross shelter to provide aid and support to residents impacted by the tornado and subsequent severe weather.

James Carr

The pastor at Redeeming Life Ministries, who lives close to the damaged area and opened the church to the community in response to the crisis.

Sylvia Bell

A member of the Redeeming Life Ministries congregation, who narrowly avoided having her own home damaged by the tornado.

Ethel Carr

The pastor's wife at Redeeming Life Ministries, who is the first person to greet and provide support to those seeking aid at the shelter.

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What they’re saying

“I woke up crying this morning because I was just, it hit me all the damage that I saw… so I opened my doors, you know, for the public, for other preachers to get together with me and to come and see if we can assist.”

— James Carr, Pastor, Redeeming Life Ministries

“I was never so grateful for my life. And that's why I say to people, if you don't be grateful for whatever it is you have, because today it's here and tomorrow it's gone. We're not in the same shape. It's sad, it just makes your heart hurt.”

— Sylvia Bell, Church Member, Redeeming Life Ministries

“I've seen a lot of people come through with a lot of devastation. You know, just on their faces, so emotional. When you're taking a name, to hear people's story. You know what I want them to feel is love and compassion and mercy.”

— Ethel Carr, Pastor's Wife, Redeeming Life Ministries

What’s next

The Red Cross shelter at Redeeming Life Ministries will remain open to provide assistance to Kankakee residents as long as the need continues. Community members are encouraged to continue donating supplies and volunteering their time to support the cleanup and recovery efforts.

The takeaway

The resilience and compassion of the Kankakee community is on full display as residents band together to support one another in the face of back-to-back severe weather events. The Red Cross shelter and the outpouring of local aid demonstrate the power of community in times of crisis.