Migrants in Chicago Face Struggles Surviving Brutal Winter: Urgent Appeal for Donations
The harsh winter weather in Chicago is presenting new challenges for migrants, who are now in desperate need of assistance. Volunteers are calling on the public to donate whatever they can to help these newcomers survive the freezing conditions. CBS 2’s Andrew Ramos has the latest on the situation.
Up to 30 asylum seekers, including children, were forced to spend the night outdoors at Chicago police district 7. They are relying on sleeping bags, tents, and layers of clothing to keep warm. As temperatures continue to plummet, volunteers who are aiding these individuals are issuing a call for urgent action.
The asylum seekers who sought refuge at District 7 experienced their first taste of a Chicago winter on Tuesday, with temperatures dropping to the lower 30s. As the morning progressed, the city experienced flurries of snowfall, a sight that many of these families, primarily from Venezuela, had never encountered before and were ill-equipped to handle.
Melissa Deming, a member of the police station response team, described the situation as dire. She shared, We are showing up to the station. We are the ones hearing about the little girl like this morning, 3 years old, who has a fever. Adapting to the sudden change in weather is just the latest obstacle for migrants and the volunteer groups tirelessly working on the ground to assist them.
Deming emphasized the urgency of the situation by stating, What I am seeing on the ground is that we have hit our limit, so if police stations were a temporary solution, they are no longer the temporary solution we need. She explained that sites like District 7 have become overwhelmed, both inside and outside the building. Priority is given to individuals with medical conditions and those of certain ages inside the facility, while outside, there is simply no room left for additional tents along the sidewalks.
A boiling point has been reached, prompting volunteer groups to call for a partnership with the city. They argue that the scale of the crisis and the overwhelming number of people in need surpass what they can handle on their own. There are so many people, so many needs. We as volunteers can’t keep up with who needs what because there are so many, Deming expressed.
Meanwhile, a special City Council meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, during which members will decide whether to include a referendum on the ballot for the March primary. One of the proposed referenda would ask voters if the city should maintain its designation as a sanctuary city. However, even if there were changes to the city’s policies, it wouldn’t directly impact the resources asylum seekers currently receive.
Groups like the police station response team are continuing to collect donations as they navigate this crisis. Drop-off sites for donations have been set up across the city, and more information can be found at seamosamigos.help/donate.
In conclusion, the winter weather in Chicago is exacerbating the already dire situation for migrants and asylum seekers. With freezing temperatures and a lack of resources, their survival is at stake. The local community and city officials must join forces to provide the necessary support, ensuring that these vulnerable individuals can endure the harsh winter and find hope for a better future.
