Mayor Johnson announces mobilization of faith, philanthropic resources for migrants

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson a new initiative to help incoming migrants by teaming up with members of Chicago faith based community and local philanthropic organizations:

Speaking at a press conference at Grace and Peace Lutheran Church on the Northwest Side, which has been serving hundreds of migrants since last year, Mayor Johnson announced what he is calling the Unity Initiative.

The initiative aims to helping incoming asylum seekers with shelter, food, clothing and work opportunities at no cost to the taxpayer.

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“The Unity Initiative will prioritize getting pregnant women, children and all of those sleeping outside of police stations or on the floors into temporary housing as quickly as possible through churches all over the city of Chicago,” Mayor Johnson said. “There, they will have access to case management and assistance finding permanent housing through the work of our philanthropic partners.”

Although there are over a thousand migrants still waiting for shelter placement, the mayor said the city is making progress.

Chicago has received over 22,000 migrants since last year. More than seven busloads are expected Tuesday. Church leaders said they are ready to help immediately.

“We actually want to start tomorrow. We want to send the buses and start picking up folks,” Grace and Peace Pastor John Zayas. “The time is now and so our goal is to send the bus and we are going to start picking up folks and establishing them in the churches that are behind you. All these pastors have committed to start the process.

And now more than ever, there is an urgent push to get migrants off the streets, out of police stations and the airports and into shelters as the weather gets colder.