After a recent gas explosion in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood displaced local residents, Illinois REALTORS® announced they are donating up to $15,000 to help those victims.

The explosion occurred on Sept. 20, collapsing part of the 35-unit apartment building on the corner of West End Ave. and North Central Ave. At least eight people were injured, and many more were left without a place to stay.

Already, 25 families have filled out applications for assistance through the Illinois REALTORS® Relief Foundation. The foundation is now encouraging anyone other people affected to apply, either online or at Alderman Christopher Taliaferro’s office.

“We believe in helping our neighbors in their time of need because that is who we are. Our hearts really go out to these families,” Katherine Bezares, the governmental affairs dDirector for Illinois REALTORS®, said in a press release. “We hope that other organizations and companies will step forward and provide assistance, in any form, as well.”