Embedded Files
19th District Mutual Aid
The purpose of the 19th District Mutual Aid Group to provide material support to and be in solidarity with our neighbors.
We are neighbors across the north side working together to support migrant families and unhoused Chicagoans in need. We understand working in community is one of the most important things we can do for each other, now more than ever. Our mission is to provide material support, legal support, and emergency rental assistance to new neighbors formerly at the 19th police precinct, currently staying at a variety of local shelters, and in their transition to housing.
19th District Mutual Aid is part of a vast network of mutual aid groups throughout the city, many of which we partner with directly. Our organization is 100% volunteer-powered; it’s truly a community effort, and we appreciate your generosity and support.
We do this work in solidarity with and by centering the dignity of our neighbors in all we do.
Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
The 19th District Mutual Aid Network continues to work to fill gaps and provide essential goods and services to new neighbors.
The 19th District Mutual Aid Network continues to work to fill gaps and provide essential goods and services to new neighbors.
Review the opportunities below and complete our Volunteer Intake Form to get more involved - we'll send weekly "Action Update" emails with high priority opportunities to be involved so you can match your skills, interests, and availability with opportunities to support.
You can also jump right into the opportunities detailed below without waiting and join our WhatsApp Group here.
Fundraising
Fundraising
Cash donations are critical and make a direct impact.
Funds raised support our housing transition program, which includes rental and utilities support and legal support through our legal help desk series with expert immigration attorneys who support individuals with asylum applications, work permit authorization, and more, without the burden of legal fees.
Donating Supplies
Donating Supplies
We have a team creating welcome kits filled with essentials. These are being given to migrants when they come to Chicago and arrive at the city's Landing Zone, stay at nearby shelters, and even to help folks in housing meet basic needs.
View a full list of items accepted for donation and details related to drop off (locations and hours) here.
We have an Amazon wishlist you can purchase from here.
If your church, gym, scouting troop or friends are interested in hosting a drive, we'd be grateful!
Drop-In Supply Sorting and Welcome Kit Making
Drop-In Supply Sorting and Welcome Kit Making
Drop in to sort donations and pack welcome kits at Resurrection Lutheran Church at 3309 N Seminary Ave.
Volunteer Shift details and Sign Up Information is here.
No ongoing commitment required, any time you can give is appreciated.
Advocacy
Advocacy
Driving
Driving
We are looking for drivers to help out as needs arise.
Common tasks include picking up donations at Aldermanic offices and dropping off urgently needed supplies.
Join the WhatsApp group to hear about these needs as they come up.
Teaching ESL
Teaching ESL
We have compiled opportunities for small group ESL classes in coordination with a lifelong ESL Educator and a variety of local organizations.
Join the "ESL Planning" WhatsApp Group to connect with volunteer leaders.
Meals
Meals
Our mutual aid network partners with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, New Life Church, and Nourishing Hope to distribute groceries to families across the city.
Volunteer Opportunities include:
Organizing groceries (no car required; in Lincoln Square)
Delivering groceries (car required; drop-offs citywide)
Join the Drivers WhatsApp group to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Other ways to support neighbors experiencing hunger:
Explore a variety of ways to volunteer with Nourishing Hope here
Our Lady of Lourdes/St. Mary of the Lake has a weekly community meal that serves hundreds of new neighbors and unhoused Chicagoans. Learn more about how to get involved in the community meal and other efforts here.
Find a non-exhaustive list of organizations in the area and how to volunteer here.
History and Impact
History and Impact
We started District 19 Mutual Aid when asylum seekers and new neighbors, bussed to Chicago en masse from states like Texas and Florida, lived at the 19th District Police Station from April to December 2023. While those neighbors eventually transitioned to shelter, tremendous needs persist for new neighbors staying in nearby shelters and those who have recently transitioned to housing. Our mutual aid network was recognized in 2024 by the Chicago Reader as “the best community living Chicago’s welcoming city values."
Our work
Asylum & Legal Clinics:
Our Legal Help Desk series supports new neighbors as the legal landscape rapidly evolves. During these clinics, neighbors can meet with expert immigration attorneys to discuss their cases. Most recently, we supported 40 individuals and families with free legal support in August and September of 2025. We hosted an asylum clinic in Spring of 2024 for 24 individuals to apply for asylum without the burden of legal fees.
Housing:
So far, we’ve moved 7 families who are ineligible for state housing vouchers into housing where we will provide six months of rental support. We created transition teams to support their transition from shelters into their communities, and welcomed them with home furnishings and supplies.
Packed and delivered over 12,000 welcome kits directly to individuals at the precinct, local shelters, landing zone, and to individuals as of October 2025.
Material Support:
We meet 4 times per week to pack welcome kits that include clothing, hygiene items, toys, and more. To date, we have packed and delivered over 12,000 kits directly to individuals living in local shelters and apartments.
Language Learning
We offered English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and have engaged more than 61 new neighbors in learning.
None of this would be possible without the incredible support and engagement of this community, for which we remain grateful.
Other Ways to Help & More Information
Other Ways to Help & More Information
Information & Resources
Find Know Your Rights Training links and recordings, Rapid Response Trainings, and an Interest form to join Rapid Response efforts on the Northside here.
ICIRR (Illinois Coalition for Refugee Rights) - ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society.
Centro Romero - For over 38 years, Centro Romero has been a community-based organization that serves the refugee immigrant population on the northeast side of Chicago.
You can find more background information here and view this city dashboard to get current information on how many new arrivals have come to Chicago, what countries they have come from, and what their living situation is like currently.
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