In what's being called an exemplary show of unity across government and faith organizations, a shelter for families in need is set to open its doors at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Chicago.
Mayor Brandon Johnson hailed the partnership between the City of Chicago, Cook County, the Archdiocese of Chicago, and the Zakat Foundation as a model of public, private, and non-profit sectors banding together to achieve a shared goal—he asserted in a statement, "I’m proud to work in partnerships with the Archdiocese, Cook County, and the Zakat Foundation as we work to support those in need."
The Archdiocese of Chicago is offering the St. Bart's site to the city gratis, while the Zakat Foundation, an established international relief agency, will handle the operation of the shelter ensuring families dislocated by crises find solace in the city of Chicago, Cook County is getting hands-on with the refurbishment of St. Bart's, adding shower facilities and executing additional necessary upgrades, a collaborative effort that underscores a commitment to help without pinching the city’s finances.
In a heartfelt nod to the welcoming nature of their community, 30th Ward Alderwoman Ruth Cruz projected her anticipation to aid the Zakat Foundation and partners in offering new beginnings to these deserving families.
Betsy Bohlen, the Chief Operating Officer of the Archdiocese of Chicago, stressed the importance of providing essential services to migrants as she told chicago.gov, "We are grateful to the parishioners of the Our Lady of the Rosary Parish for providing space and support to establish this new family shelter at the St. Bartholomew’s Parish site." The shelter will also cement a partnership with Chicago Public Schools, ensuring the education of young residents is prioritized.
At the helm of operational efforts is the Zakat Foundation, which will absorb all expenses related to logistics and staffing of the shelter, sticking to the rigorous standards outlined in the City of Chicago’s Shelter Operation Guide, the Zakat Foundation's Halil Demir expressed his pride in aligning with Mayor Johnson and Chicago's community leaders, stating, "We stand shoulder to shoulder with Mayor Johnson and Chicago’s leaders to demonstrate to the world why Chicago is the City of Big Shoulders." The official shelter opening is pegged for mid-April and will be exclusively for families underlining the partners’ dedication to offering secure and supportive environments for the homeless.