Hundreds of people are being brought to Chicago from the U.S. Mexico border in Texas and lack access to basic needs. They are being placed in the local police stations while they are waiting for room to open up at the shelters. Click on this link for more background information.

The 9th District Police Station has been hosting migrants since April 2023. We know that people should not have to sleep on the floor of a police station and our Police Officers and staff are doing their best to care for these families while they are in the station.  Alderwoman Nicole Lee and the 11th Ward Office are now supporting an effort started by a mutual aid group formed by residents who have been providing food and basic needs supplies to the migrants until they move into city-run shelters.  

What's happening in the Ward 

16 May update:

In the last week, the number of migrants staying at the 9th district has nearly tripled to more than 40 people. Ald. Lee has been actively working with the Chicago Park District Area 5 staff, Ping Tom Park Advisory Council members to open designated non-programed hours where migrants at the 1st District may use the fieldhouse showers two days a week beginning this week. Ald. Lee has made the same request for McGuane and the Park District team including the park supervisor, are working together to make this available for the 9th District too.  

While the showers will be a welcomed option for the migrants at the police districts, it is in no way a solution that addresses the immense strain this is putting on our police districts.  Please know that Ald. Lee is exploring other options for a potential respite center in the ward to alleviate the strain on police resources and to provide a bit more comfort for migrants as they await placement in shelters.  

19 May update:

As of this morning, 51 migrants are staying at the 9th district.   Special hours were established this week at Ping Tom Park - Leonard Louie Fieldhouse to allow migrants staying at the 1st District to use the shower facilities.  Ald. Lee requested the same for McGuane, however, the schedule would only allow for 90 minutes two times a week which is not ideal.  She is working with the Park District to establish a shower program at Wilson Community Center.  

2 June update:

1st District (State &18th) | Together with the help of the Ping Tom Park Advisory Council and the Chicago Park District, we are operating a program to allow migrants at the 1st District Police Station to use the showers at the Fieldhouse.

9th District (31st & Halsted) | This week, the 9th District had up to 53 people in their lobby at the highest point. Due to the high level of programming at McGuane Park, we have shifted our efforts to opening up shower time at Wilson Community Center. Of all the parks in the 11th Ward, making time available for this purpose disrupts the smallest number of programs. This program will begin next week.

The 11th Ward Office continues to collaborate with other area elected officials and a mutual aid group started by neighbors to support migrant families with meals and basic need items for those at the 9th District. We have established a distribution center for donated items on Halsted near the 9th District that serves migrants at Police Districts in the surrounding area. Items that are most in demand right now are men's clothing and shoes size medium and large with shoes preferably sizes 7,8,9. We could also use hangers for the distribution center.

How you can help

If you’re interested in helping, here’s what you can do:

1. Volunteer to help at the distribution center, click here to sign up.

2.  Review the Google Doc that is being used to manage the collection and distribution of food and supplies.  There is useful background info and instructions for participating. Note that the list may change on a daily basis depending on the number of people and what may be needed.

3. Donate items from the list below. Please note that we will accept only new items unless noted otherwise (items with  * will be accepted if they are in good condition/gently used). 

You can drop off items requested on the list to:

11th Ward Office 

3659 S. Halsted Street

M-F 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

NOTE: The 11th Ward Office is a government office, as such, we cannot accept cash, gift cards or certificates as it violates the City’s ethics policy.

Check out the City of Chicago page for other ways to donate or support.

Participation in this effort is strictly voluntary and very much appreciated. Special thanks to the 9th District Police and the many volunteers who have been supporting the effort from the start. 

Requested items: