The Sanctuary Working Group

SWG MISSION STATEMENT:

The Sanctuary Working Group, a solidarity organization, supports and accompanies vulnerable migrants in their journey towards sustainable independence. 

SWG VALUES:  

The SWG is committed to work and relationships that…

1.      Respect:  Fosters safe space for ALL and respects the autonomy of people; 
2.      Compassion:  Demonstrates compassionate hospitality;  
3.      Collaboration:  Prioritizes collaboration among our partner organizations and those we accompany;  
4.      Trust:  Embodies and builds trust through group-oriented decision making and mutual responsibility and accountability;  
5.      Inclusivity:  Seeks the inclusion of Chicago’s immigrant and other under-resourced communities in decision-making roles and values and respects the diversity of Chicago’s immigrant communities regardless of any perceived differences. 

We are in hard times right now – politically, economically, and emotionally. But we will not be cowed, silenced, or scared into inaction. We are more committed than ever to stand up for the rights of our neighbors, fight for what is right, and stand in solidarity with immigrant communities across Chicagoland.

Housing and direct aid continue to be the greatest needs brought to us. As our immigrant communities are being targeted and legal processes are changing day to day, families are struggling to pay their bills and keep a roof over their heads. We know how hopeless it can feel to watch those in power play with people’s lives with impunity and not be able to immediately stop them ourselves.

But there are real, concrete ways you can get involved today to make life easier for the folks who are at the most risk right now. Here are some examples:

• If you have the privilege of not worrying how you are going to pay your next bill, please consider donating to our Emergency Fund. You can do so online HERE, or by mailing us a check. For more information about mailing a check, please scroll down this page and read our “How to Give” section.
  • Here are some examples of what donating at different levels could do for someone:
    • $30 covers a pack of diapers for a new mom.
    • $50 can be the difference between having cell phone service or not.
    • $75 covers a month long Ventra pass for someone to use to get to and from work.
    • $200 covers a week of groceries for a family of four.
    • $520 covers the cost of applying for a work permit.
    • $1500 covers a month of rent for a family who cannot afford an apartment on their own.
      
• Are you able to volunteer your time to accompany participants in our (and/or our members’) programs to ICE check-ins or court appointments?
  • We are in the planning stages of this program and are gauging volunteer interest. Please fill out THIS FORM if you are interested in being sent more information about this volunteer opportunity as well as any training we do.
    
• Sign up for our mailing list to receive our calls to action, updates on our work, and our quarterly newsletter.

Whatever level you are able to get involved this year, we cannot express our gratitude enough! Whether it be your time, your energy, your resources, or your money, you are an invaluable part of our network. Please let us know if you have any questions at all. We are so grateful to be in community with you.

What is the Sanctuary Working Group?

About Us:
Since March of 2020, the Sanctuary Working Group (SWG), now a program of Wellington United Church of Christ (WUCC), has offered accompaniment support to over 600 migrants—both families & individuals—from primarily Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and Central-East Asia. 

The Sanctuary Working Group is a cooperative, grassroots network of representatives from 40 faith communities and non-profit organizations. The Sanctuary Working Group, a solidarity organization, support and accompanies vulnerable migrants in their journeys towards sustainable independence.  

As our work continues to grow at an explosive rate, we seek to widen our support of migrants, including asylum seekers, as they establish themselves and begin to form stable lives here in Chicago.

How to Give:

Please give generously to support our work. 100% of all gifts go directly to vulnerable migrants. You can give online here—just be sure to click on the “TO” and choose either General Fund or Rent Fund from the dropdown menu. If you are able to cover the bank processing fees, please click the box in the bottom left-hand corner that says “Cover fees.” Feel free to share this request with anyone you know who expresses concern for migrants in Chicago!

You can also mail a check to:
Wellington UCC, P.O. Box 804687, Chicago, IL 60680-4108
Please note: SWG – EF on the memo line.

Learn More:

Visit the following links to learn more about what we do and how you can help:
SWG Brochure
How Landlords Benefit From Working with SWG
Migrant Resources Glossary
SWG At A Glance

Our Partners

• The MacArthur Foundation
• The Chicago Community Trust
• The Community Renewal Society
  • The Sanctuary Working Group celebrates our partnership with the Community Renewal Society, including the CRS commitment in support of two CRS Associated Fellow Staff positions.
  • As an SWG member organization, CRS continues supporting migrants in significant ways with a thoughtful and intentional narrative in action, understanding directly and indirectly the migrant plight and how people are affected.The Community Renewal Society
• The Crossroads Fund
• The Walder Foundation

Photo Gallery

May 3, 2023 Widening the Circle Breakfast in Support of Migrant Sponsors