City Cast Chicago logo

How to Help Migrants in Chicago

Posted on June 5, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Sidney Madden

Sidney Madden

A group of migrants stands outside buses with bags and blankets

Migrants get off a bus at Union Station on Oct. 14. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Tribune /  Getty)

Thousands of migrants have come to Chicago via bus from Texas since the fall — and more are expected to be on their way.

As a refresher, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been sending the asylum seekers, many of whom are from Central and South America, to the city to protest against federal border policies.

Finding shelter for migrants has been challenging and divisive. Families are sleeping on police station floors. Residents are learning about temporary shelters planned in South Shore and Avondale. Some officials are proposing McCormick Place or Navy Pier as central shelters for migrants.

But individual Chicagoans can help.

Want more? Check out Block Club and Borderless.

see more:education

Share article

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.
Advertisement image

The latest in Chicago

Keep It LocalAugust 6

Your Guide to Dog-Friendly Patios

Want to enjoy patio weather, but hate leaving your pup at home? Check out our guide on the best dog-friendly patios in Chicago.

A curly-haired golden doodle wearing a harness steps into a small blue kiddie pool filled with colorful beach balls at a dog-friendly outdoor patio, with diners seated under blue and white striped umbrellas in the background.
Keep It LocalJuly 30

Why Creatives Love Epiphany Center for the Arts

Five years ago, a group of artists transformed a shuttered, historic church at 201 S. Ashland Ave. into Epiphany Center for the Arts. Sin...

An indoor space with hanging lights and a wood floor. The walls are short but the roof is very tall. There are small remnants of a church left like the windows
Keep It LocalJuly 30

Your Guide To Chicago’s Indie Music Venues

There’s no shortage of unique venues to see live music in Chicago. Here are some of our favorite spots in town.

Two women looking at the camera while taking a selfie in front of two giant sculptures of candy
Food & DrinkJuly 27

Is the Italian Beef Chicago’s Most Original Sandwich?

Italian Beef Fest is coming up. Let's give the dish its due

An italian beef sandwich with peppers, onions, carrots on bread
Keep It LocalJuly 23

Repair and Refurbishment Help The Recyclery Spread the ‘Bike Bug’

Two decades ago, The Recyclery was just a few friends who liked to ride. Since then, the shop has helped thousands of Chicagoans catch "t...

A group of people in a room looking and adjusting settings on a bike
Keep It LocalJuly 23

Where To Buy A Bike In Chicago

Chicago’s a great place to navigate on two wheels. These local shops will provide everything you need to (safely) take on the open road.

A small dog in a basket on a bike. In the background there is a large body of water with the skyline in the back. The sun is setting over the skyline
Keep It LocalJuly 16

Partners In Crime Offers Beach-Ready Mystery and Romance Novels

Jeff and Amanda Morse combined their love for the mystery and romance genres by creating a bookstore that specializes in both.

A mural on a wall around a fireplace where it shows drawn figures doing an arrangement of things like reading, lounging, talking or embracing each other
Keep It LocalJuly 16

Where to Find Summer Beach Reads

Chicago has nearly 100 independent bookstores, so here are a few spots that specialize in genres that sound best by the lake.

A large room with two stories where the walls are stacked floor to ceiling with books on bookshelves. In the middle on the first floor there is a table with computers