Chicago migrants: Dozens bussed from Texas find temporary shelter at Rogers Park fieldhouse as residents provide donations - ABC7 Chicago

2022-10-07 19:20:20 By : Ms. Molly Xu

List of donation items needs and drop-off locations

City officials said over 2,400 asylum seekers from the Texas border have arrived in Chicago, leaving many in the city wanting to help.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Dozens of migrants bused from Texas to Chicago have called the Leone Beach fieldhouse in Rogers Park home for about the past week.

However, city officials said this shelter is just temporary.

ABC7 spoke with one migrant off camera who says he, like others, fled to America is search for the American dream.

"The city, the county and the state are doing what they can in order to make sure we can receive people," said Alderwoman Maria Hadden, 49th Ward.

RELATED: More than 1K migrants bused to Chicago area by Texas governor, city expects additional arrivals

Hadden said its all hands on deck at the Leone Beach fieldhouse as dozens of migrants from the southern border now call Chicago home.

"Folks right now have food, they will have a place to sleep, albeit temporary. These are cots in congregate settings," she added.

City officials said over 2,400 asylum seekers from the Texas border have arrived in Chicago in the past few weeks, leaving many in the city wanting to help.

In fact, donations for the migrants have started to fill up space in the alderwoman's Rogers Park office.

"Some of them literally don't have socks or underwear. Some of them are ill-prepared for the weather," said Rogers Park resident, AJ Kelly.

RELATED: Gov. Pritzker issues disaster proclamation to assist migrants bused in from Texas

Kelly said he met one migrant last week while on a walk.

"I realized this guy didn't have any resources and something clicked inside that I needed to help him," Kelly added.

The migrant, who did not want to be shown on camera, said at least 50 men -- all from Venezuela with no nearby family -- are seeking refuge inside the North Side fieldhouse.

He said his bus from Texas was supposed to go to Florida but was rerouted to Chicago because of Hurricane Ian.

The man said he feels lost but hopes to work for a better life.

"If we can get like 60 more people or like 80 more people, like me, to help one, at least the basics of human decency can be put in place," Kelly said.

RELATED: Chicago man who typically feeds homeless comes to Elk Grove Village to serve migrants

"We are going to be a supportive community. We are going to work through this together," Hadden added.

The city said migrants urgently need donations of new clothing and personal hygiene items. Donations can be dropped off at aldermanic offices across the city.

ONLY NEW ITEMS CAN BE ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME

*List subject to change based on supply and demand.

New clothing for adults (including cold weather clothing)

Men's sizes small, medium, and large - in particular medium

Women's sizes small, medium, and large-in particular medium

Women's sports bras

Long sleeve shirts (men, women, unisex)

Sweatshirts/sweaters (men, women, unisex)

Shoes (closed toe gym shoes) (infants, boys, girls, men and women)

Winter coats (men, women, children, infants)

New hygiene kit items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo)

Preference for sanitary pads and pantyliners

Reusable bags (e.g., duffle bags and suitcases)

Bath towels (large towels, hand towels, wash cloths)

Calcium antacid (e.g., Tums)

New clothing for children: 6 months-teens

Underwear for children and teens

For additional inquiries, please email: DONATIONS@cityofchicago.org

Please check the ward office hours of business to make sure it is open to receive drop off donations.

435 E. 35th St. Chicago, IL 60616

10500 S. Ewing Ave. Chicago, IL 60617

City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. Room 300 Chicago, IL 60602

6500 S. Pulaski Rd. Chicago, IL 60629

2500 S. St. Louis Ave. Chicago, IL 60623

2242 S. Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60608

2511 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622

3559 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60641

4606 W. Diversey Ave. Chicago, IL 60639.

3001 W. Irving Park Rd. Chicago, IL 60618

2934 N. Milwaukee Ave, Unit C. Chicago, IL 60618

6560 W. Fullerton Ave, Suite 118-A Chicago, IL 60707

4924 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60651

4200 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, IL 60630

5620 N. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60659

2523 N. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60614

4544 N. Broadway Ave. Chicago, IL 60640

4243 N Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60618

5533 N. Broadway Ave. Chicago, IL 60640

1447 W. Morse Ave. Chicago, IL 60626

2949 W. Devon Ave. Chicago, IL 60659

City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., 1st Floor Chicago, IL 60602

3851 W. Devon Ave. Chicago, IL 60659

Former high school athletes allege sexual abuse by coach's daughter

Illinois reports 1,922 new COVID cases, 11 new deaths

Man's bank account drained without approval, fraud report denied