Where Are Migrants Staying in Chicago?

Almost 12,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago since last summer, staying in more than a dozen temporary shelters — colleges, hotels, schools, and churches — to the opposition of some alders and residents. Today, we’re looking at the latest city-run sites.

New Sites

According to Block Club:

• Park programming is affected at the Broadway Armory in Edgewater after a shelter opened Tuesday. The senior center is staying open.
• Families of migrants with young kids are being prioritized at the Super 8 Motel in Rogers Park.
• The American Islamic College in Uptown is able to house hundreds of migrants who relocated from two City College gyms ahead of the school year.
• Near South Health Center in Douglas opened last month and has capacity for 150 single men.

Why Are Some Residents and Alders Opposed?

Neighbors across the city have expressed frustrations about lack of notice and effects on park programming along with concerns over noise and safety. Alders say they also feel left out of the loop and want a more comprehensive long-term plan.

Immigration committee chair and 40th Ward Ald. Andre Vasquez told the City Cast Chicago podcast that funding is among the biggest issues.

What’s Next?

Nonprofits will soon be able to apply to take over city-run shelters.

After allegations that police officers sexually abused migrants — and impregnated a teenager — staying at a station, the mayor’s office said they hoped to stop using police stations as shelters, WBEZ reported.

But hundreds of people are still at police districts and O’Hare airport, waiting for temporary housing.