A diaper fiasco is unfolding in the Windy City as state and federal agencies wash their hands of any responsibility for shortages at migrant shelters in Chicago, despite reports from shelter residents still struggling to acquire essential supplies.
Last week, it came to light that some migrant parents were reusing dirty diapers for their babies due to a lack of hygiene products, the Chicago Tribune reported. In response to the burgeoning crisis, Illinois state and the City of Chicago clarified their respective roles in the supply chain, with the city pointing fingers at the state for shortages. Yet, Kevin Sur, a spokesperson for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, told the Tribune that the onus is on city officials to flag shortfalls and seek aid.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency had previously supplied Chicago with 64,000 diapers in October, and after the recent uproar, sent an additional 600 from donated stock, Sur reported. Despite this, several of the largest shelters in the metropolis began reporting the need for diapers and hygiene products weeks ago, according to migrant advocates. Volunteers like Annie Gomberg are concerned with how the city is rationing supplies, which has pushed families in shelters into rationing efforts themselves, as per the Chicago Tribune.
The shortage has prompted community response. After reporting by the Tribune on Feb. 29 highlighting the scarcities, local mutual aid groups sprang into action. Southwest Collective, a mutual aid group, received generous donations of diaper boxes, which they are distributing directly to residents of the shelters, rather than going through shelter employees, Gomberg told the Tribune.
On a local level, organizations are stepping up to mitigate the shortfall. Karina Ayala-Bermejo, associated with Instituto del Progreso Latino, expressed the dire need for essentials such as diapers, formula, and bottles. "We don't want folks recycling their diapers for many reasons, but most importantly to provide them dignity and respect," she said, vocalizing the essential human need for dignity amidst the struggle for basic provisions, according to NBC Chicago.
