How to Help the Latest Wave of Migrants Coming to Chicago
Community organizations across Chicago need more supplies and helping hands to provide migrants with basic needs, medical care, and legal help. Even more, migrants are expected to come to the United States in the weeks ahead, with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott writing in a letter to the mayor’s office that he will resume bussing migrants to Chicago and other cities.
Here’s how Chicagoans can help migrants in the short term:
Donate Basic Supplies.
The city has partnered with Instituto del Progreso Latino to create an Amazon wishlist where people can purchase supplies for migrants, including pants, shoes, shirts, hoodies, backpacks, razor blades, shower shoes and laundry bags. Click on either of the following links to see the wishlist at Amazon.com. Rapid Response Wishlist on Amazon or Instituto’s Rapid Response Wishlist
After purchase, the wishlist items will be shipped to a secure location, with city workers and nonprofits distributing them to shelters and respite centers, including some police stations where migrants are taking temporary shelter.
Donations of “pricier but essential items” for families, including diapers and baby formula can be brought to the nonprofit, Instituto del Progreso Latino, 2520 S. Western Ave. There is a drop-off box outside. Workers inside can also accept items.
Volunteers to Distribute Donations
Volunteers interested in helping distribute donations with Instituto can fill out an intake form by clicking on the following link. Volunteer Intake Form