Portage Park's latest addition to its community is a sign of the city's ongoing efforts to support asylum seekers. More than 43,000 migrants have been welcomed into Chicago since Texas began sending buses in August 2022. Now, the spotlight shines on the newly opened shelter at St. Bartholomew Parish. At a community dinner and resource fair, Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the migrants, “You are a part of the future of the city of Chicago," and continued with, "You’re our neighbors now,” as quoted by Block Club Chicago.
The shelter has begun to fill its rooms, with an estimated 50 migrants already sitting in the former convent and another 250 expected to be accommodated in what once was the school building. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and other officials were present to mark the event. Their message was clear, aiming to affirm the migrants' place within the community fabric. This gesture seems to be an attempt to quickly normalize the lives of those who find themselves in this new urban landscape – a challenge faced by many who have left their entire world behind.
According to a Chicago Tribune report, the shelter, managed by the Zakat Foundation of America, bears no costs to the city. Zakat's president, Halil Demir, conveyed his enthusiasm for the migrants' contributions to the city, stating, “Chicago is a hardworking city, Chicago is a great place to be. Chicago needs you.” The foundation is not only covering the operational costs but also providing essential services such as staffing, social services, and coordination with Chicago Public Schools to ensure children are enrolled in school.
The shelter stands as a beacon of resourcefulness and generosity with local religious entities collaborating to provide the building space needed. Rev. Michael O’Connell of St. Bartholomew's mentioned that shelter plans had been developing since the previous year. From struggling to find a home, migrants like Daniela Diaz and Franger Bermudes expressed a newfound sense of safety upon their arrival in Chicago. “In Texas we were nervous,” Diaz said to the Chicago Tribune. “We are OK now, but we want to be better.”
As the city continues to accept more migrants, challenges arise with the integration into the societal framework. There were 6,937 people seeking asylum living in city-run shelters, with more still awaiting placement. Migrant families, like that of Omar Ortiz, who fled Venezuela with his wife and son due to corruption and violence, have sought refuge within these shelters since their arrival. Ortiz is looking forward to gaining a work permit and enrolling his son in school, as told to Block Club Chicago.
In an enduring effort to meet the immediate needs of the migrants, the Zakat Foundation is soliciting a wide range of donations and is in need of bilingual volunteers. The community continues to rally, offering support in various ways, including resource fairs where organizations provide essential information and services to the new arrivals. The shelter's lease is six months, but there is hope for an extension, reflecting a long-term commitment to making Chicago a safe haven for those who have left much behind to be a part of the city's diverse fabric.
