BRIDGEVIEW, IL – Zakat Foundation of America, in collaboration with the City of Chicago, Cook County, and the Archdiocese of Chicago, is proud to announce the opening of a comprehensive humanitarian shelter and resettlement program for refugees and displaced families, mostly from the southern border, at the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church campus on the city’s Northwest Side. The rescheduled grand opening, alongside a welcome party will be hosted June 11th, 2024, at 5:30pm at 4944 W. Patterson Avenue, Chicago, IL. Members of the Chicagoland community, media and interested stakeholders are welcome to attend.
At this event, many honored guests will attend and give remarks including Alderwoman Cruz, Commissioner Quezada, Founder/Executive Director of Zakat Foundation of America, Mr. Khalil Demir, and the Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson. The event will include a meal with the residents and a tour of the buildout. Questions will also be taken from the press. The goal is to demonstrate the strong partnership between the City of Chicago, County, the Archdiocese and Zakat Foundation of America in bringing this project to fruition.
Zakat Foundation of America will fully administer and fund the shelter’s wrap-around services, including staffing, logistics, and educational and training programs, while coordinating with Chicago Public Schools to enroll young students.
“This initiative represents a remarkable example of what can be achieved when the public, private, and non-profit sectors collaborate towards a common goal,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I’m proud to work in partnerships with the Archdiocese, Cook County, and the Zakat Foundation of America as we work to support those in need.”
Zakat Foundation America’s extensive international expertise in helping refugees and the displaced maintain family integrity and reestablish their uprooted lives serves as an invaluable knowledge base for the U.S.’s emergent urban immigration crisis, with more than 38,000 new migrants transported to Chicago since August 2022, according to city data reports. Chicago currently shelters nearly 10,000 new migrants in 21 city- and state-run facilities.
“I look forward to assisting the Zakat Foundation of America … in providing these vulnerable families with a safe place and the necessary resources to create a new life for themselves,” said 30th Ward Alderwoman Ruth Cruz, in whose district the new family shelter is located.
In-kind donations are being accepted now at the ZFA headquarters located at 7421 W. 100th Pl, Bridgeview, IL during office hours 9am-5pm.
The following items are in high need (new/lightly used only):
Baby Formula
Diapers
Adult/children/baby clothes, shoes, basics, etc.
Toys
Pillows & blankets
School supplies
Hygiene essentials
Cases of water
Nonperishable snacks
Any new/lightly used items will be accepted
Zakat Foundation of America strives to support recovery and development in all its forms, aligning with the UN’s 17 Goals for Sustainable Development. Zakat Foundation of America has been featured in the press including CNN Max, Fox News, WGN, ABC and NBC among others. Media including photos and videos are available on the organization’s website and social media. Additional media requests or interview requests can be submitted to [email protected]