General Information: New Arrivals to Chicago

How many asylum seekers have arrived in Chicago?
Since August 31, 2022, Chicago has welcomed over 50,000 asylum seekers, many of whom arrived homeless and without sponsors.

Who are the people arriving in Chicago?
While most asylum seekers come from Venezuela, others arrive from various countries across Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

How do individuals arrive in Chicago?
Many begin their journey in South America, crossing the treacherous Darien Gap into Central America and Mexico before reaching the U.S.-Mexico border. After processing by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at a port of entry, some are bussed to Chicago, often arriving at Union Station from Texas and Colorado.

Specifics About 640 W Irving Park

Why is this shelter necessary?
With over 50,000 new arrivals, Chicago expanded its shelter system to address the needs of both the city's existing homeless population and new arrivals.

What is the One System Shelter?
Launched on October 21, 2024, the One System Initiative doubles the city's homeless shelter capacity from 3,000 to 6,800 beds. It integrates services for both new arrivals and the existing houseless population, aiming for a more equitable shelter system.

How many people are housed at this facility?

• Initial Capacity: Opened July 28, 2023, with under 600 residents.

• Full Capacity: Reached 1,300 residents during Winter 2023.

• Current Population: As of November 3, 2024, there are 785 residents.

Numbers fluctuate weekly as residents transition to community housing or return to other shelters.

How long will the shelter operate?
The shelter's contract has been extended through 2025 as part of the One System Shelter program. This decision was made by the Mayor's Office and DFSS, with no direct input from the 46th Ward office.

Shelter Operations and Policies

Security Measures:

• 24/7 on-site security provided by City contractors.

• Fixed police camera monitoring the entrance.

• Regular safety checks by shelter staff and CPD coordination.

• 11 PM curfew enforced.

Community Rules:

• Residents must sign in and out when entering or leaving.

• No visitors allowed.

• Drugs, alcohol, and smoking are prohibited.

• Residents must adhere to curfew unless exceptions are approved.

• Violations may result in discharge or reassignment to another shelter.

Daily Life for Residents:

• Shelters are open 24/7 with case managers providing connections to healthcare, education, and family reunification services.

• Organizations like Catholic Charities and the HANA Center offer additional support.

Work Authorization:
Non-U.S. citizens require a work permit, which can only be applied for 150 days after submitting an asylum application. Legal clinics and resources help residents navigate this process.

Meals Provided:
Residents receive three meals daily—two hot meals and one cold meal (delivered weekly).

Impact on the Community

Parking and Public Way Usage:

• On-site parking remains unaffected, and delivery vehicles exit promptly after unloading.

• Increased trash pickups are coordinated with Streets and Sanitation.

• Shelter staff conduct hourly perimeter checks to maintain accessibility and reduce sidewalk congestion.

Tents in Public Spaces:
The ward office collaborates with DFSS, Streets and Sanitation, and the Park District to address the presence of tents near the shelter. Efforts include outreach to move individuals into housing and routine cleanup of public areas.

Future Development Plans

Will the approved development still be built?
Construction on the planned development has been delayed but remains legally approved. The developer retains the right to proceed once the shelter closes.

Community Involvement

How can the community help?
Support new arrivals by visiting Chicago.gov/support or connecting with local mutual aid networks.

Mayor’s Announcement: One System Initiative

On October 21, 2024, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the transition to the One System Initiative, expanding the city’s Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) homeless shelter capacity from 3,000 beds to 6,800 beds. This initiative creates a more equitable shelter system and is part of a five-year plan to address homelessness and housing instability in Chicago.

AIC Shelter Updates

• Operational Timeline: The AIC shelter will remain open through 2025, becoming part of the merged One System Shelter. It will continue serving families and individuals in need, transitioning from a focus on new arrivals to supporting all Chicagoans experiencing housing instability.

• Capacity Planning: As part of this initiative, three shelters, including AIC, were selected based on cost-effectiveness, operational quality, and partnership with community-based organizations (CBOs).

Addressing Community Concerns

The City acknowledges feedback from 46th Ward residents and Alderwoman Clay regarding the AIC shelter and nearby encampments. To address these concerns, the following steps are being taken:

1. Staffing Support:

   • The Interagency Migrant Resource and Response (IMRR) team is recruiting for an AmeriCorps VISTA position to assist the 46th Ward office with shelter coordination.

2. Encampment Management:

   • An Accelerated Moving Event (AME) is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025 to support individuals in nearby encampments in transitioning to housing or shelters.

3. Security and Maintenance Enhancements:

   • The City will collaborate with the Chicago Police Department, Streets and Sanitation, and other departments to improve safety and upkeep near the shelter. Despite budget constraints, efforts will focus on addressing the changing needs of the AIC shelter.

4. Future Planning:

   • While the shelter will remain operational in 2025, the City will continue to evaluate alternate locations and work toward a long-term solution.

Commitment to Collaboration

The City remains committed to regular communication with the 46th Ward office and residents to ensure the success of the shelter initiative and the well-being of all community members.

Meeting Recording here

Dear Neighbors,

It’s been an honor to serve our diverse ward for nine weeks, learning more about the rich culture we share and meeting neighbors who simply want to help make our communities a home for all. Since coming into office, one of the growing challenges facing our city has been the ongoing crisis of neighbors coming from the southern border seeking refuge. Chicago continues to stand up to our sanctuary city values as we work together to offer them long term resources in the form of housing, education, and safe communities. 

Our communities of Uptown, Buena Park, and Lakeview have been playing a vital role supporting new arrivals who have been temporarily staying in our 19th and 20th District police stations.  Mutual aid networks and local faith-based organizations have ensured that neighbors have access to clothes, food, and a welcoming community.  

Now, the city is asking that our ward step up to the plate further and continue to support new neighbors.  Our office was recently notified of a temporary shelter opening in our ward, housed at the former site of the American Islamic College at Irving Park and Marine Drive, originally the building of Immaculata High School. This Department of Family and Social Services (DFSS)-run site will include case workers with wrap-around services, coordinated health care efforts with Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and partner organizations. They will also have a comprehensive safety plan with CPD and on-site security, and will provide 3 meals a day to asylum seekers staying at the shelter. As has been communicated to us by a cross department inter-agency city task force, the site is set to open on July 28th and will house between 500 and 600 new neighbors. 

We know that this is new information for everyone in our community on a short timeline.  Many of you will have important questions and insights, and our office wants to ensure that everyone has access to relevant information and is able to have questions and concerns answered.  Transparent community engagement is a core pillar of our 46th Ward office, and we want to make sure everyone has as much information as possible.  This is why our office, in coordination with the Mayor’s Office, Department of Family and Social Services (DFSS), Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), and Chicago Police Department (CPD), is hosting a community meeting on Friday July 21st at 6pm at St. Mary of the Lake (4220 N Sheridan).  We want to ensure that everyone in our community is able to access clear information quickly and proactively, and this meeting is one important step in making sure that happens.

Please make sure to follow our social media for additional information about this community meeting, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our office if there are specific questions you want to make sure we address.  An FAQ document answering questions will be shared in the coming days.  

Warmest regards, 

Alderwoman Angela Clay