In The Press

As we work to grow our initiative and reach as many faith communities as possible, we are blessed and grateful to have a voice that can be heard and shared across the city. We encourage you to read what has been said about us, and what we have said to others about ourselves. These are great entry points to our work to share with people you think would be interested in getting to know more!

If you are someone who would like to get in touch with us for public comment, please see our Contact Page for our info.

Press Conference

June 2nd, 2023

On June 2nd a press conference was held to call on faith leaders across the Chicagoland area to join us in tangibly welcoming migrants to our city and supporting them as they become Illinoisans.

Christian, Jewish, and Islamic leaders stood with local elected officials, non-profit organizers, and other passionate participants in this effort to call on the public to open their hearts, their buildings, and their communities to incoming asylum seekers in Chicago.

We are grateful for all who attended, and give a special thanks to all who took time to speak their piece for all to hear.

Speakers:

Rev Dr Beth Brown - Pastor of Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, Interim Commissioner on The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability
Ald. Maria Hadden - 49th Ward Alderperson
Rev Dr Marilyn Pagan Banks - Executive Director of A Just Harvest, Pastor at San Lucas UCC, and 24th District Police Council Member
Rev Avalon Betts Gaston - Board Chairperson of the Community Renewal Society
Ald. Mike Rodriguez - 22nd Ward Alderperson
Rabbi Seth Limmer - Founder of Open Judaism
Ald. Tim Knudsen - 43rd Ward Alderperson
Pastor Matt DeMateo - Pastor at New Life Community Church, Executive Director of New Life Centers
Claudia Lucero - Executive Director of Chicago Religious Leadership Network
Fasika Alem - Program Director, United African Organization
Jesse Hoyt - Director of ONE Northside
Daryle Brown - Director of Justice Ministries at Trinity UCC
Rev Tom Terrell - Christ Lutheran Church
Zainab - Immigrant from Sudan, Mother of Five
Abdullah Mitchell - Executive Director of The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
Rev Ann-Louise Haak - Pastor of Wellington UCC

Two images above the article's name: "As Need For Migrant Housing Intensifies, Volunteers Say Community-Run Shelters Are A Model City Should Copy" by Madison Savedra. The two images above the article title show volunteers and migrant children

“Pastor Beth Brown […] is another faith leader who’s opened up space for families previously staying at a police station. The church recently converted a meeting room into space for a second family, after hosting one family in their private quarters.

‘We should really be taking this effort citywide,’ Beth Brown said. ‘If enough faith communities stepped up, we could get everybody housed. Our effort makes so much more sense. This is the long-term solution.’

Thanks to state funding, she said her church is expecting the money will help them hire a program manager and case workers. These people could be resources to other community partners who are taking in asylum seekers, she said.

Beth Brown said she wants to help others learn their model. The church is planning to host training sessions for faith partners who may have the space to house people and the desire to help but need some guidance, Beth Brown said.

‘Our challenge right now is really getting the word out and getting people to understand they won’t be alone,’ she said.”