The Sanctuary Working Group

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. 

Tis the season for generosity, gratitude, and gathering together in solidarity. This Giving Tuesday, we hope that you will consider sharing information about the SWG with friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and whoever else you may know who may want to get involved in this work.

We wanted to give some examples of how different donation amounts can make an impact. Even the smallest donations can be the difference between a cold walk with frozen extremities and a warm ride. For example:

• Giving just $5 can cover two train rides 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 two weeks 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.

Whatever level you are able to give at this year, we cannot express our gratitude enough! 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

Photo Gallery

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