(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A privately run welcoming center in Evanston has marked one year of working to connect migrants — and others in need — with support.
Family Focus opened its center on Dewey Avenue in January 2023, modeled after another welcoming center in Aurora. Case manager Jodie Constant said they've been busy spreading the word since then.
"[We're] passing out flyers at the local library and the … local neighborhood areas that are connected to everything, as well," Constant said.
Whether they're new arrivals to the country or have been here for a while, she said most of the people who have visited the center are looking for the same thing.
"Everybody's looking for housing, especially in this condition with how the weather is right now," said Constant. "We're just doing our best to try to provide shelter [and] connect them with local shelters in the Evanston area."
Family Focus estimates about a quarter of the more than 100 people they've helped connect with services such as translation, food pantries, warm clothing, state and federal resources are migrants.
Thanks to their partners, Constant said Family Focus was even able to hand out Christmas gifts.
"Coming here to Chicago … it's definitely a culture shock, so we were grateful that we're able to provide them with warm clothing and toys for their children."
In one case, Constant said the center helped a migrant father and his children find a place to stay.
"Now they have housing, and they have legal documentation and things like that," she said.
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