Dozens of asylum-seeking migrants who have been sheltering at an Oak Park church since the Halloween snowfall will temporarily shelter in two Oak Park locations for about a month under plans the village released Tuesday night.According to the plans, the West Cook YMCA will house women and children in 40 rooms on one floor. Although each room is single occupancy, each can hold up to three people, meeting the village’s occupancy ordinances. About 50 people will move there. The Carlton Hotel will house other migrants in 13 rooms that will be open later this week, although more rooms could become available. The rooms will be available for 28 days, just under the threshold for renters’ rights to take effect, which permits people to overstay in a location without funding.
Oak Park Village Board declares emergency to aid asylum-seeking migrants in town. Leaders also call for the 'abundant' influx of donations to halt — for now. chicagotribune.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from chicagotribune.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Dozens of demonstrators chanting “basta ya” –or “enough” in Spanish – swarmed Village Hall Monday night to demand more action from officials to support asylum seekers just over the Oak Park/Chicago border.Their focus was on offering “dignified ways” to assist unhoused migrants and to get people out of the streets with the winter approaching."We're asking for support, but we're not asking for free services or charity. We want to work in a dignified manner to sustain our families," said Mimi, a Venezuelan immigrant who came to the U.S. with her husband and 2-year-old son. Her last name was withheld to protect her identity.She shared her story during the rally, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrants, including difficult living conditions and the burden of racism and anti-immigrant sentiments.