CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A final round of Afghan refugees are expected to arrive in Chicago starting next week, but there won’t be anywhere for them to go.
With resettlement agencies at capacity, the Illinois Department of Human Services reached out to Chicago’s leading Muslim organization to help refugees make Chicago their home.
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago now has called on residents to “adopt an Afghan.”
“Basically, they're coming with nothing,” said CIOGC Chairman Irshad Khan. “They're going to be coming to the airport and we have to provide housing needs. We have to provide them with clothing, food, ESL and job readiness and all those things that we do.”
Hundreds of Afghans are slated to arrive between Feb. 1 and 15 on a moment's notice.
Although Chicago is a Welcoming City, the winter weather adds another challenge.
“These people coming in, they don't even have their winter jackets or coats with them,” said Khan. “So we are reaching out to the community at large, asking them to open their hearts and minds and homes for these refugees since they are basically coming with nothing on them.”
The CIOGC created an Afghan Refugee Task Force, charged with providing advocacy, religious services, legal assistance, and life sustaining needs.
Those interested in helping can visit CIOGC.org.
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