CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The City of Chicago, Cook County, the Archdiocese of Chicago, and the Zakat Foundation, a humanitarian organization, are all collaborating to establish a new family shelter for new arrivals at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church on the Northwest Side.
Eric Wollan, with the Chicago Archdiocese told WBBM that the unused convent and school building will be able to hold about 300 people.
"The idea of being able to participate and alleviate some of the burden of the city of opening up new shelter if not more is something we've been anxious to do," he added.
"We're very excited about it. It's a project we've been working on for a while."
More than 38,000 new arrivals have made their way to Chicago from the southern board since August 2022, according to data released by the city.
As of April 6, there are 9,692 residents in 21 active shelters run by the city and state, but many are still waiting for placement.
"The family shelter at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church is a testament to the resilience and empathy of our community," said 30th Ward Alderwoman Ruth Cruz.
“I look forward to assisting the Zakat Foundation, Cook County, and the Archdiocese in providing these vulnerable families with a safe place and the necessary resources to create a new life for themselves.”
The Zakat Foundation will be responsible for all operational costs, including logistics and staffing for the shelter and will coordinate with Chicago Public Schools to facilitate the enrollment of students.
Cook County is overseeing the construction of shower facilities and overseeing other minor renovations necessary to accommodate the families that will be placed at the site.
The shelter is expected to open by the middle of April.