ICSJ Migrant Ministry
Education, Assistance, and Volunteering Resources
As a Catholic parish committed to the Gospel’s call to welcome the stranger, we recognize the urgent need to support migrants and refugees in our community. Chicago has seen a growing number of individuals and families seeking safety, stability, and opportunity, yet many face challenges in accessing basic necessities, legal assistance, and education.
In his letter to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (read below), Pope Francis reminds us that "to be close to migrants is to be close to Christ," urging us to respond with compassion, advocacy, and concrete support. Rooted in our Catholic faith and the Church’s teaching on the dignity of every person, our parish offers resources and outreach opportunities to accompany our migrant brothers and sisters on their journey.
Whether through education, material aid, or community engagement, we invite you to join us in living out Christ’s call to love and serve.
Scroll down for simple ways to respond in love and action!
How You Can Help
April 2025
Hygiene Drive at ICSJ
Throughout the month of April, ICSJ Parish is collecting essential hygiene items to support migrant families through Pilsen Food Pantry. Many newly arrived families are in urgent need of basic necessities like soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and other personal care items. Your donations will provide dignity and relief to those navigating a challenging transition. In addition to donating, you’re invited to join us on our Parish Day of Service on Saturday, May 10th, where we will come together to assemble hygiene packs and extend a warm welcome to our migrant brothers and sisters. More details and a sign-up link will be shared soon—thank you for being part of this mission of love and service!
▶︎ April Donations: Drop off at any weekend Mass—boxes located at the back of both churches
▶︎ May 10: Join our Parish Day of Service to assemble hygiene packs and welcome migrant families
Items Needed Most:
• New/unopened travel-sized toiletries: shampoo, body wash, lotion, and toothpaste
• Toothbrushes • Deodorant • Diapers (all sizes, especially 4-6) • Baby wipes
Resources
Know Your Rights/ Conozca Sus Derechos
All people in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have Constitutional rights and protections. Neither immigration nor the police will assume you want to exercise your rights. You are in charge of asserting them by showing your Know Your Rights card or by telling the officer you are exercising your rights. These flyers explain your rights in various places and contexts.
Know Your Rights (Eng) | Conoce tus derechos (Esp)
Pope Francis on Immigration in the U.S. (2025)
In his recent letter to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Pope Francis calls on us to welcome and support migrants with compassion and action.
▶︎ Read Pope Francis’ message here
Item Donations
The Church of the Ascension
The Church of the Ascension, 1133 N LaSalle Street (directions), has a free store on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Contact Liz, below, to arrange drop off of donations. They take donations of just about all gently used things from furniture to clothes. New items that are donated are: diapers, toiletries, and underwear.
▶︎ To arrange a donation drop-off, contact Liz at 920-254-4735 or elizabethkohlbeck@yahoo.com.
Chicago Furniture Bank
Chicago Furniture Bank, in partnership with New Life Centers, is providing furniture to new arrivals resettling into permanent housing. Chicago Furniture Bank is also the largest provider of free furniture to Chicago’s unhoused population. In order to sustain their current operation, they need your help. Spread the word among your constituents and encourage them to donate extra furniture to our unhoused neighbors, including new arrivals!
▶︎ For pick-ups, please submit a Furniture Pick-Up Request Form.
▶︎ Drop-offs can be made at 4801 S Whipple St, Chicago (directions), Mon–Fri, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pilsen Food Pantry
Food, clothing, hygiene products, diapers etc.
Pilsen Food Pantry provides access to food, clothing, and other basic necessities to the south, west, and southwest side including a large new migrant population. All food, clothing, and supplies donations must be coordinated first by emailing Pilsen Food Pantry.
▶︎ Contact Pilsen Food Pantry at donations@pilsenfoodpantry.com
Donate Monetarily
Many Chicago organizations can get much-needed supplies to migrants through your generous donations.
▶︎ Instituto del Progreso Latino
▶︎ Pilsen Food Pantry
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteer as a Tutor
Project Education Plus has regular after-school tutoring and now English-language-learning tutoring. Tutoring takes place at Holy Family Church at 542 W Hobbie Street (directions) from 2-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Spanish speaking is not necessary, but helpful.
▶︎ To tutor or volunteer, contact Vince Carter at 312-520-0905 or pepdemons@aol.com
“To be close to migrants is to be close to Christ”
— Pope Francis
For more information, please contact Elly Rodriguez at 312-787-7174, ext 4, or by email