A new shelter in Chicago is providing longer stays for migrants than the current 60-day limit enforced by the city. St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, in partnership with Cook County, the Archdiocese of Chicago, and the Zakat Foundation, is offering housing for up to 300 migrants who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border, at no cost to the city.
Located on West Addison Street, the shelter is granted a variance from the 60-day limit, allowing migrants to stay for up to six months. After that period, their situation will be reassessed.
The city revised its initial 60-day limit on shelter stays in response to the growing number of migrants being resettled. Factors such as weather conditions and delays in hiring case managers contributed to some migrants staying longer.
According to the city’s migrant dashboard, Chicago has seen over 43,000 asylum-seekers since August 31, 2022, with over 7,100 reunified with sponsors and close to 17,000 resettled.
As of June 6, new data showed 424 shelter arrivals and 579 exits, with more than 30,000 shelter exits recorded. CBS News reported that there are now 17 migrant housing facilities in Chicago, down from 28 earlier this year.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle were both present at a “welcome” gathering. In collaboration with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Preckwinkle announced a plan for taxpayers to contribute an additional $70 million toward migrant services.
The Zakat Foundation, an international organization aiding refugees, will oversee and fund various services at the shelter, including staffing, logistics, educational programs, and enrollment in Chicago Public Schools.
Despite ongoing renovations at the shelter’s location in Chicago’s Northwest Side, the project is nearing completion. A convent at the site is already housing 45 new residents.